In 1995, the University of Chicago Law School was recognized as the Public Interest Law School of the Year by the American Bar Association. This award brought national attention to volunteer activities that students at the Law School had been doing quietly for years. The students involved in the Immigration and Refugee Law Society assist immigrants awaiting deportation with the legal process.
Students work with immigration lawyers in Chicago.
As part of their service, students prepare petitions, meet with clients, and attend hearings. The student members of the Latino Law Student Association are involved in bilingual interpretation and tutoring. The Black Law Students Association, with a body of 50 members, coordinates with other Black Law Students Associations to meet with local minority high school students and encourage them to pursue a career in law. Tax season brings a group of students together for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. The program lasts through the school year.