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
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Social Justice Tuesday - Advocating for the Voiceless: Animal Law in Practice
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When:
Tuesday, February 11, 2025, 12:30 – 1:20pm PST
Where:
William H. Gates Hall (LAW)
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Please join the Student Animal Legal Defense Fund as we welcome Scott Halloran for Social Justice Tuesday! Mr. Halloran is an Assistant Attorney General with the Environmental Protection Division at the Washington State Attorney General's Office specializing in animal cruelty cases. He will be discussing his work and Animal Law broadly, potential upcoming changes to state law, and advocating for animals in the current political climate, and is looking forward to meeting students and answering your questions. If you care about justice for animals and/or would like to learn about the practice of Animal Law, please join us!
Register by 5 p.m. on Friday, February 7th on 12Twenty if joining us for lunch in Room 138. Please also email gatespsl@uw.edu by this time if you have special dietary needs.
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Social Justice Tuesday - PILA and the Gates PSL Program
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When:
Tuesday, February 18, 2025, 12:30 – 1:20pm PST
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More information to come.
Register by 5 p.m. on Friday, February 14 via 12Twenty if joining us for lunch in Room 138. Please also email gatespsl@uw.edu by this time if you have special dietary needs.
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Social Justice Tuesday - International Law Society
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When:
Tuesday, March 4, 2025, 12:30 – 1:20pm PST
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More information to come.
Register by 5 p.m. on Friday, February 28th via 12Twenty if joining us for lunch in Room 133. Please also email gatespsl@uw.edu by this time if you have special dietary needs.
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Social Justice Tuesday - Students for Labor and Employment Justice
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When:
Monday, March 10, 2025, 12:30 – 1:20pm PDT
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More information to come.
Register by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 7th via 12Twenty if joining us for lunch in Room 138. Please also email gatespsl@uw.edu by this time if you have special dietary needs.

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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