UVA Law Students Participate in Alternative Spring Break Program to Offer Legal Expertise

  Instead of enjoying their spring break for leisure, 53 University of Virginia School of Law students participated in the 15th annual Alternative Spring Break program, offering their legal expertise. Since its inception in 2009 with 17 students, the program has more than tripled participation. The students contributed 2,120 hours on pro bono projects online and nationwide this spring. The student-run Public Interest Law Association matched the volunteers with 22 organizations, including Advocates for the West in Boise, Idaho, Catholic Charities in Charlottesville, Just Neighbors in Washington, D.C., and Southeast Louisiana Legal Services in New Orleans, among others. Elizabeth Putfark '24, the spring break programming director, successfully recruited other environmental nonprofits to participate. Putfark hopes the program will continue to expand into other public interest areas. She believes the ASB students had a chance to rekindle their aspirations that brought them to law school while building skills and professional connections.
 
According to Martinez, many public defenders he collaborated with harshly opposed sentencing for nonviolent crimes, as the defendants involved often have a mental illness or come from disadvantaged backgrounds.

 
The University of Virginia School of Law's Public Interest Law Association (PILA) aims to encourage and assist students in pursuing public interest law. PILA, in partnership with the Mortimer Caplin Public Service Center, offers additional stipends to students participating in public service summer internships through the PILA+ program. In addition to organizing the Alternative Spring Break activities, PILA oversees this program.

Zach Griffith '24, the ASB Finance Director, hopes that this year's participants not only improved their practical legal skills but also found a purpose in assisting their various clients, organizations, and communities. Griffith wishes that this passion for service continues throughout their time at the University of Virginia and into their legal careers.
 
UVA Law's Pro Bono Program challenges students to contribute at least 75 pro bono hours during their time in law school. During the 2021-22 academic year, 388 students recorded 16,340 hours.
 
Winter and Spring Break Pro Bono
Winter break pro bono provides an opportunity for individuals to volunteer for a week or two in early January, serving clients in need, while also developing critical legal skills, gaining real-world experience, and enhancing their resumes. It is an excellent option for students who cannot participate pro bono during the academic year or require additional hours to qualify for a Public Service Summer grant. Last year, 194 students participated in winter break pro bono projects, dedicating over 6,500 hours to 101 organizations across the country, including nonprofits, legal services providers, and governmental agencies.