SPIN auction helps law students pursue public interest careers

Jaclyn D. Grosso
(315) 443-9534

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 begins at 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 14, at the Oncenter and includes both silent and live auctions, with such items as professional sports memorabilia, vacations, leisure activities and jewelry up for bid.

“Without the financial assistance that the SPIN grant provided, I would not have been able to work at the Legal Aid Society of Rochester last summer,” says Stephen Heath, a third-year law student. “I was able to save people from credit card debt, prevent evictions, improve housing conditions, and stand up for the poorest members of our society. My time at Legal Aid gave me valuable experience that is helping me find a job now.”

Now in its 16th 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 $48,000 to fund students who volunteered in the public interest sector during the summer. This translated into about 2,700 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, SU College of Law students completed more than 3,000 hours of community service throughout the greater Syracuse area last year.

Advance sale tickets-$10 for SU students, faculty and staff, and $15 for the general public-are available Nov. 3. 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.