Attorney James U. Blacksher (‘71) spoke to students, staff and faculty about his career as a civil rights attorney during the Public Interest Awards Ceremony, held on April 13, 2017, in the Bedsole Moot Court Room. He encouraged students to seek innovative ways to advocate for social justice.
Blacksher was presented with an honorary Order of the Samaritan medal in recognition of his great service to his community.
This year, 43 students received the Dean’s Community Service Award in recognition of 40 hours of community service work during law school; 24 students received the Student Pro Bono Award for completing 50 hours of pro bono work during law school; and 29 students received the Order of the Samaritan in recognition of contributing 90 hours of volunteer work during law school. The Public Interest Institute also awarded the Excellence in Service Award and Pro Bono Excellence Awards to the three graduating 3Ls with the highest reported number of community service and pro bono hours.
In addition, 22 3Ls earned the Certificate in Public Interest Law, which requires 20 hours of specialized coursework and 50 hours of volunteer work.
