Public Interest Institute

Founded in 2000 at the University of Alabama School of Law, the Public Interest Institute was born from a shared vision between students and faculty. For 25 years, the Institute has shown how law can be a powerful force for positive change in our communities.

Our mission remains rooted in three core commitments:

Empowering Future Public Interest Lawyers

We help law students grow through hands-on learning, volunteer work, and career guidance.

Expanding Access
to Justice

We raise awareness of the urgent need for legal aid in rural and underserved Alabama communities.

Building a Culture
of Service

We instill a lifelong commitment to pro bono work and develop future public interest leaders.

Under the leadership of Assistant Dean Cassandra Adams, the Institute continues to evolve, inspiring every student to incorporate public service into their legal careers. As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we remain dedicated to our founding principle: that legal education should not just teach the law but encourage its use to serve others.