9/6/01--Boston College Law School has increased its resources devoted to Public Interest Programs. Effective in September, the Law School has upgraded its two-day per week Public Interest Career Counselor position in the Career Services Office to five days per week, ten months per year. The Law School is now recruiting for a full-time "Associate Director of Career Services for Public Interest Programs," in an effort to further strengthen its leadership role in commitment to public interest careers.

"While I believe that BCLaw is already a national leader among law schools in terms of our commitment to public interest," said BCLaw Dean John H. Garvey, "this new infusion of resources will further strengthen our efforts in this area."

"Rachel Sagan was a wonderful leader who advanced our program tremendously while working two days per week," said Director of Career Services Jean French. "Now we have a chance to do even more with a full time position." Ms. Sagan resigned in August for another part time position with a non-profit corporation.

In addition to giving career advice, the new Associate Director for Public Interest Programs will have responsibilities in the following areas:

--Develop relationships with public sector employers, encouraging their recruitment of BCLaw students and alumni and their participation in BCLaw recruitment programs.

--Administer the summer stipend program, which provides $3500 per student in work-study awards to predominantly first year students working in the public interest. Help these students locate appropriate placements and screen applicants.

--Serve as an administrative liaison to the Public Interest Law Foundation (PILF). Work with Executive Board of PILF to provide institutional continuity for programming and fundraising.

--Identify and publicize pro bono service opportunities to students, faculty and staff. Work with student organizations to coordinate public service projects.

--Explore creation of a pro bono certificate program, and make recommendations in this regard to the Dean and faculty.

--Serve on the Law School Scholarship Committee. Administer public service scholarship program and serve as administrative liaison to four Public Service Scholars in each entering class. Create mentoring/shadowing program for Public Service Scholars.

--Serve on Law School Admissions Committee, and assist in recruiting process to attract and select best applicants interested in public service work.

--Assist Development Office in devising new initiatives for increasing scholarship funds for students interested in public sector careers.