KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law (LMU Law) hosted its annual Student Public Interest Fellowship (SPIF) Auction on March 6, raising nearly $20,000 to support students pursuing public interest legal work.
The Student Public Interest Fellowship funds stipends for students interning in public interest roles, helping alleviate financial burdens associated with unpaid or low-paid positions. The event featured live and silent auctions, with faculty, students, alumni, and community members contributing auction items and bidding in support of the program.
The evening included a keynote address from Eighth Judicial District Attorney General Jared Effler, who spoke on the importance of supporting law students entering public service.
“As we ask these young lawyers to come and do their internships, they should not have to be worried about money to go buy lunch or to get gas to go back and forth,” Effler said.
The funds raised will provide essential financial assistance for students working in roles that serve underrepresented communities, allowing them to gain valuable experience without the hardship of covering travel and living expenses.
“The new Student Public Interest Fellowship at LMU Law will help ensure that financial need does not prevent our students who prefer public interest work from seeking out and accepting those opportunities,” said LMU Law Vice President and Dean Matt Lyon. “This will allow more of our students to gain valuable practical experience while also serving the public.”
To donate to the Student Public Interest Fellowship, visit https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/28518/donations/new.
