SPIN auction helps law students pursue public interest careers

SPIN auction helps law students pursue public interest careersOctober 16, 2007Jaclyn D. Grossojgrosso@law.syr.edu

Social justice, children’s rights, environmental protection, civil liberties — these are just some of the community issues that Syracuse University law students can help address with funds raised at the annual Public Interest Auction hosted by the Syracuse Public Interest Network (SPIN). The SPIN auction, formerly know as the Grant Opportunity Program, begins at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 8, at the Hotel Syracuse and includes both silent and live auctions, with such items up for bid as a Martin 12-string guitar, vacations, leisure activities and jewelry.

“SPIN affords students the opportunity to gain invaluable educational experiences, while making a much-needed contribution to the legal profession’s obligation to promote justice,” says Alexis Martinez, associate director of student programs at the College of Law.

Now in its 15th year, the program continues to raise money to encourage law students to pursue careers in public interest law. Last year, the organization raised more than $38,000 to fund students who volunteered in the public interest sector during the summer. This translated into about 4,000 hours of work dedicated to helping those who cannot afford legal assistance. SPIN members worked in legal service organizations, private nonprofit legal organizations and government agencies throughout the country. In addition, College of Law students completed more than 1,100 hours of community service throughout the greater Syracuse area last year.

Advance sale tickets to the event are available Oct. 22 and are $5 for SU students, faculty and staff, and $15 for the general public. For more information, to donate items, or to attend the event, call (315) 443-1146, e-mail SPIN@law.syr.edu, or visit the SPIN website at http://www.law.syr.edu/spin.