Professional Development and public service

The Southern Illinois University School of Law is committed to serving the public good.

In an annual Induction Ceremony, entering law students take an oath to their fellow students, the legal profession, and the public. This Ceremony, which is unique to the School of Law, demonstrates each class’s commitment to serving the public good.

The Induction Ceremony is part of the Professional Development Workshop Series, which received a 2004 E. Smythe Gambrell Professionalism Award from the American Bar Association.

Students can serve in one of four public service clinics or participate in one of many public service oriented student organizations including Phi Delta Phi, Phi Alpha Delta, or Equal Justice Works.

Did you know?

Outside of the School of Law, students, faculty, and staff support over 80 different civic, governmental, non-profit, and public service groups and organizations including Habitat for Humanity, the American Red Cross, and the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

In 2004, the School of Law established the Joseph R. Bartylak Public Interest Fellowships which award stipends to students who volunteer for a public service group or organization.