Public Interest Law

Questions about constitutional law impact our daily activities, running the gamut from traffic stops to controversial internet posts to the right to attend public school.  These important constitutional rights are usually defended through litigation initiated by public interest groups.  Students who are interested in pursuing public service careers, or who plan to make pro bono work a meaningful part of their practice, should consider pursuing a Public Interest Law professional track.  This type of legal work requires a solid understanding of constitutional interpretation, focused on the Bill of Rights, as well as familiarity with various litigation requirements imposed on statute or the courts.  A student who completes the Public Interest Law professional track will be familiar with legal strategies to enforce constitutional rights.  This professional track qualifies as a foundation track of the Special Distinction in Litigation. 

Students must take a total of 18 hours from the courses listed below.

Public Interest Law Required Courses (at least 10 class hours must come from this group of courses):

Advanced Family Law (3hrs) 9380

Civil Rights Actions (2hrs) 9256

Constitutional Law: Free Speech (3hrs) 9360

Employment Discrimination (3hrs) 9362

Immigration Law (3hrs) 9373

Juvenile Justice (2hrs) 9254

Poverty Law (2hrs) 9267

Public Interest Law Electives (additional hours may come this group of courses):

Administrative Law: Federal (2hrs) 9268

Administrative Law: Texas (2hrs) 9287

Advanced Criminal Procedure (3hrs) 9350

Municipal Government (2hrs) 9265

Nonprofit Organizations (2hrs) 9211

Separation of Church & State (2hrs) 9279

Supreme Court Seminar (2hrs) 9226

Field placement focused on public interest (as available and approved by Professor Hernandez or Professor Serr) (2hrs) 9281

Legal Clinics (as available and approved by Professors Hernandez or Serr). 9V11

 

Contact Professors Hernandez or Serr for additional information.