Public Interest Law Special Distinction
Contact Persons: Professors Hernandez or Serr
Students focusing study in public interest law may elect to pursue a Public Interest Law Special Distinction.
The Public Interest Law Special Distinction is recognized at graduation and becomes part of the student's permanent transcript. Students must earn a minimum GPA and must also meet the other course requirements.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| LAW 9256 | Civil Rights Actions | 2 |
| LAW 9360 | Constitutional Law: Freedom of Speech | 3 |
| LAW 9380 | Family Law: Advanced Family Law | 3 |
| LAW 9373 | Immigration Law | 3 |
| LAW 9365 | Poverty Law & Policy | 3 |
| Public Interest Law Additional Electives | ||
| Select at least 10 additional hours from the following: | 10 | |
| Administrative Law: Federal | ||
| Administrative Law: Texas | ||
| Advanced Criminal Procedure | ||
| Employment Discrimination | ||
| Juvenile Justice | ||
| Nonprofit Organizations | ||
| Separation of Church and State | ||
| Supreme Court Seminar | ||
| Field Placement (focused on public interest; as approved by Prof. Hernandez or Serr) | ||
Legal Clinics (1 credit hour) as approved by Prof. Hernandez or Serr | ||
| Total Hours | 24 | |
A GPA of 3.3 in all track courses1 (including additional hours as required above) will be required for a student to receive the Special Distinction designation.
Student must complete 20 hours of pro bono public interest work. Prior approval of work by Professor Hernandez or Professor Serr is required.
- 1
If a student has taken more than the minimum number of hours of track courses and a grade in a course that is not required for receipt of the Special Distinction would result in the GPA being below the requirement, that grade need not be included in the GPA calculation. If a grade in a track course that is required for receipt of the Special Distinction causes the GPA to be below the requirement, grades in track courses beyond the number of hours required for the Special Distinction may be included in order to raise the GPA in the track courses.
A student who meets the above requirements for a Special Distinction shall receive that designation only if the faculty determines that the student has made meaningful contributions to the Law School program and that the student is worthy of such distinction in accordance with the traditions, expectations and mission of Baylor Law School.