Public Interest Resource Center (PIRC)

Important Electronic PIRC Forms

The Public Interest Resource Center (PIRC) helps students engage in public interest work by providing information and resources about placement opportunities. The American Bar Association’s Pro Bono Directory Map and the PSJD are good first steps to learning about the wide variety of opportunities to provide pro bono legal assistance. Delaware Law School also posts pre-approved pro bono opportunities for you to consider.

Every year Delaware Law students are honored at graduation with pro bono distinction. Local and state bar association receptions also are given to honor students’ pro bono services.

How Public Interest Work Can Benefit You

Although PIRC placements are non-paying and non-credit, they provide exciting benefits. Public interest placements help build your résumé and give you the opportunity to network with legal professionals. You put your legal skills to practical use while learning from experienced professionals eager to share their expertise with you. PIRC tracks your pro bono hours and recognizes exceptional service.

Opportunities to Make a Difference

Public interest law encompasses legal services that benefit charitable, civic, community, religious, educational, or government organizations that assist individuals of limited means as well as legal services that benefit groups that protect civil liberties or public rights. If you have completed your first semester of law school in good academic standing, PIRC can offer you an opportunity to get hands-on experience while helping those in need. Students provide a range of local services, from helping low-income individuals apply for a much-needed earned income tax credit to helping Delaware residents apply for pardons and helping survivors of domestic violence navigate through the legal system.

ARE YOU SEEKING LEGAL HELP?

While the Public Interest Resource Center does not provide legal representation or advice, we do provide the below resources for those seeking legal help.

• Delaware, please visit the Delaware State Bar Association at www.DSBA.org;
• Pennsylvania, please visit the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network at https://palegalaid.net/;
• New Jersey, please visit Legal Services of New Jersey at www.lsnj.org; or
• Maryland, please visit the Maryland Court’s Finding Legal Help page at https://www.mdcourts.gov/legalhelp/findinglegalhelp.
• If you are seeking legal help outside of these areas, we suggest contacting your local bar association for a list of resources.