Law School honors public service

Recognition was in order yesterday for second- and third-year Law students who had participated in exemplary volunteer public interest and public service projects. The Law School held a ceremony in which Dean Colin Diver and Philadelphia Bar Chancellor Clifford Haines expressed their appreciation to dozens of law students who had served the public over the past two years. Commending the entrepreneurial and inventive methods they had pursued, Diver encouraged the students to "stay true to their public interests through their programs." Haines -- a Philadelphia lawyer himself -- stressed the tradition and pride associated with being a "Philadelphia lawyer." He urged the listeners to be active in public service through the rest of their lives. "The fact that they have made an extra commitment is a wonderful way to start off a career that is all about giving," Haines said. "Call yourself a public servant. ? It is the very essence of a noble profession." Students receiving public service awards from the Law School had to meet strict criteria. Many students spent over 80 hours on public service projects while earning close to nothing for their hard work. Many students graduating from school with enormous debts take jobs in the more lucrative private sector, according to Judith Bernstein-Baker, director of the Public Service Program. Yet she added that the students being honored at the ceremony instead "put people before their financial needs." The types of service programs the students took part in reached far and wide throughout the city. They helped run programs elevating public education, helped parents gain custody of their children and worked with the homeless and unemployed. Gretchen Fritz, a second-year Law student who was recognized at the ceremony, called the opportunity to make a difference in another's life "very worthwhile" and a great release from the routine of being a law student. Fritz participated in the Custody and Support Assistance Clinic, the Spare Public Interest Conference and the Public Interest Law Center, where she aided those with disabilities. The Philadelphia Urban Law Student Experience, commonly known as PULSE, was a popular program among the recognized students. In the program, students went into Philadelphia public schools to teach about law. Other students, such as second-year student Camille Forbes, entered into the field of the family court system and helped speak on behalf of parents who could not afford quality counseling in their custody battles. In a world described by Haines as skeptical of the law process and the ethics of lawyers, these students were applauded for their dedication to helping others. As the program for the night read, "If we are to keep our democracy, there must be one commandment: Thou shalt not ration justice."