Now in its 17th year, Pierce Law's Public Interest Coalition (PIC) has been helping students pursue meaningful careers and building a bridge between Pierce Law and the Concord community.

"PIC is open to all students, and it really shows them that the legal profession is more than just raking up billable hours; it's about being involved in the community," 2L Jim O'Shaughnessy said.

This spirit was on full display last Saturday at the annual Bruce Friedman Community Service Day. Over thirty students helped out organizations across Concord, including the Rape & Domestic Violence Crisis Center.

This year, PIC will also put on many other events, including the annual PIC Auction, which raises thousands of dollars for scholarships that are available to students pursuing public interest internships. In 2007, PIC raised $56,000 for scholarships. Every year, the PIC Auction is one the most anticipated and exciting events of the year!

PIC also works with the Shelter Alliance to collect used cell phones for battered women shelters. The project protects the environment by preventing phones from entering our landfills. In exchange, Shelter Alliance generously donates money to the PIC Scholarship fund. Any cell phone, regardless of age or condition - with, or without battery, antenna ore charger - can be donated. Look for the donation box by Jan's desk.

In addition to all this, PIC provides valuable services such as:

• Educating students about public interest career opportunities


• Helping students find summer employment in the public interest arena


• Exposing the Pierce Law Community to public interest law issues


• Encouraging and assist Pierce Law in promoting loan forgiveness programs