William H. Gates Public Service Law Program

As a public institution, UW Law promotes social justice and equity, engaging in today’s pressing issues across the landscape of law, business and public policy. Advancing access to justice and opening opportunity is integral to who we are.

The William H. Gates Public Service Law Program, named in honor of William H. Gates Sr. and his commitment to public service, is the central hub for public service and public interest law at UW Law. The program encompasses events and programming, career coaching and academic advising, pro bono service and leadership development.

Our students are presented with many opportunities to help reduce the barriers in access to justice and build the foundation to a career in public service, including:

Public Service Graduation Requirement

J.D. students are required to perform at least 50 hours of public service legal work through clinics, select externships, or other approved pro bono projects with the goals of:

  • Educating students about an attorney’s ethical responsibility to provide pro bono legal assistance, particularly to those who would not otherwise have access to the legal system.
  • Fostering in students a lifelong commitment to public service by providing the opportunity and training vital to the development of such a commitment.
  • Developing students’ lawyering skills by providing them with work experience under the supervision of an attorney.

Public Service Concentration Track

J.D. students also have the opportunity to pursue a public service concentration track. Upon completion, graduates receive special notation on their transcript.


Gates Public Service Law Program news


Upcoming Events

  1. 2025 JAG Day
    When: Monday, April 21, 2025, 12:30 – 2:30pm PDT
    Where: William H. Gates Hall (LAW)
    Please join the Gates Public Service Law Program for our 2025 "JAG Day" event, where we expect to host representatives from each of the following military branches speaking about internship and post-graduate opportunities serving as a Judge Advocate General (JAG):
    • U.S. Air Force
    • U.S. Army
    • Army National Guard
    • U.S. Coast Guard
    • U.S. Marine Corps
    • U.S. Navy
    The program will begin with a lunchtime panel and Q&A with the JAG representatives from 12:30-1:30 p.m., followed by an opportunity to meet with the representatives individually during a networking hour from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Students are free to attend one or both of the two sessions.
    Lunch will be provided to everyone who registers in advance in 12Twenty!
  2. NALSA Salmon Bingo Dinner & Fundraiser
    When: Friday, April 25, 2025, 4 – 7pm PDT
    Where: Intellectual House (INT)

    Description

    Music & Social Hour: 4:00 pm
    Doors open: 4:00 pm
    Program: 5pm-7pm

     

    The Native American Law Students Association (NALSA) mission is to celebrate the practices of Indigenous cultures; advocate for recognition and representation of Indigenous history and tribal sovereignty; and provide support and resources for educational and professional development opportunities.

     

    NALSA will host its annual Salmon Bingo Dinner & Fundraiser on April 25, 2025, at the Intellectual House on the University of Washington campus. Salmon Bingo is a community-building event with University of Washington School of Law (UW Law) students, faculty and staff, Indian law practitioners, and other community members, where attendees enjoy a dinner of Indigenously prepared foods and play bingo. Bingo players have a chance to win prizes with a focus on Native-created items from community members or Native-owned businesses such as Off the Rez, Eighth Generation, and Urban Native Era.

    All proceeds from Salmon Bingo go towards NALSA scholarships or programming that directly support students. Use this link to give to NALSA: www.washington.edu…

    Register to attend via the link below and direct any questions to nalsa@uw.edu.

    More info: web.cvent.com…
  • Gates Scholar Karla Davis, sitting outside William H. Gates Hall
  • Public service is community. It’s the idea of seeing a problem and taking it upon yourself to be part of the solution with whatever means you may have at your disposal, whether time, money or effort.

    — Karla Davis, Gates Scholar 2017