As a public institution, Â鶹ÉçÇø Law promotes social justice and equity, engaging in today’s pressing issues across the landscape of law, business and public policy. Advancing access to justice and opening opportunity is integral to who we are.
The William H. Gates Public Service Law Program, named in honor of William H. Gates Sr. and his commitment to public service, is the central hub for public service and public interest law at Â鶹ÉçÇø Law. The program encompasses events and programming, career coaching and academic advising, pro bono service and leadership development.
Our students are presented with many opportunities to help reduce the barriers in access to justice and build the foundation to a career in public service, including:
Public Service Graduation Requirement
J.D. students are required to perform at least 50 hours of public service legal work through clinics, select externships, or other approved pro bono projects with the goals of:
- Educating students about an attorney’s ethical responsibility to provide pro bono legal assistance, particularly to those who would not otherwise have access to the legal system.
- Fostering in students a lifelong commitment to public service by providing the opportunity and training vital to the development of such a commitment.
- Developing students’ lawyering skills by providing them with work experience under the supervision of an attorney.
Public Service Concentration Track
J.D. students also have the opportunity to pursue a . Upon completion, graduates receive special notation on their transcript.
Gates Public Service Law Program news
Upcoming Events
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Public Service Post-Grad Fellowships: Presentation and Panel
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When:
Monday, May 5, 2025, 12:30 – 1:20pm PDT
Where:
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Please join the Gates Public Service Law Program in our presentation about post-grad fellowships in public service. The program will include a panel discussion.
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WA AGO Honors Program and Post-Grad Hiring
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When:
Monday, May 12, 2025, 12:30 – 1:20pm PDT
Where:
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Considering a position with the Washington State Office of the Attorney General (AGO) after graduation? At this lunchtime event, AGO Recruitment Coordinators will give an overview and answer student questions about the AGO’s entry-level hiring paths through its Honors Program and other Assistant Attorney General (AAG) positions open to new grads.
Recruiting for the Honors Program usually occurs through Â鶹ÉçÇø’s August OCI program, while recruiting for other AAG positions open to new grads occurs on an ongoing basis throughout the year (including after graduating 3Ls take the bar exam), so students from all class years are encouraged to attend.
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Pro Bono Honors Society Celebration
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When:
Tuesday, May 13, 2025, 12:30 – 1:20pm PDT
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Join the Gates Public Service Law Program as we celebrate the dedication to public service demonstrated by Â鶹ÉçÇø Law students at the 2025 Pro Bono Honor Society Celebration!
We will honor the Class of 2025 3Ls and Graduate Students who have achieved Pro Bono Honor Society status, recognize the 1L Trailblazers who have completed 25 or more hours of pro bono legal work in their first year, and celebrate the recipients of the Ann Spangler Pro Bono Student of the Year Award for their exceptional commitment to public service law.
Following the program, we invite you to enjoy a treat on the patio, weather permitting, as we come together to reflect on and recognize the impact of pro bono work in our community.
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Public service is community. It’s the idea of seeing a problem and taking it upon yourself to be part of the solution with whatever means you may have at your disposal, whether time, money or effort.
— Karla Davis, Gates Scholar 2017
