Certificate: Public Interest and Public Service Law
The Public Interest and Public Service Law (PIPS) Certificate is a JD certificate program that features academic, experiential learning, career, and faculty support to assist students in developing competencies for public interest careers.
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Overview
The PIPS Certificate is supports JD students in pursuing public interest careers, featuring academic and experiential learning requirements designed to develop the skills and knowledge requisite for public interest practice. Enrolled students benefit from a community of peers, faculty, administrators and alumni committed to their success as public interest lawyers.
Enrollment & Benefits
JD students may apply to enroll during the summer after their 1L year. Enrollees are assigned a dedicated public interest career counselor, academic advisor, and faculty mentor. Students are also invited to special certificate events. Graduates are awarded their certificate during a special commencement celebration with friends and family.
Requirements
Certificate requirements overlap with and are not in addition to the general degree requirements for the JD program general degree requirements for the JD program.
I. Curricular & Experiential Learning Requirements
- 2 upper-level courses related to the student’s anticipated substantive area of specialization in public interest or public service law.
- 6 experiential credits through clinics and externships, including Duke in DC.
- 8 general public interest elective credits.
- The JD-required substantial research and writing project must be on a public interest topic.
II. Public Service Requirements
- 75 hours of public service hours, including pro bono volunteerism.
- One 8-week, full-time summer internship with a non-profit, governmental, or non-governmental organization.