Setting Goals: Chicago-Kent Students Volunteer at Fourth Annual Public Service Day

“I would bet that most of you came to law school wanting to make the world a better place,” Chicago-Kent College of Law Assistant Teaching Professor Alexander Rabanal said in his address to first-year Chicago-Kent students at the college’s Public Service Day.

A part of 1L Orientation Week, Public Service Day is an opportunity for incoming Chicago-Kent students to volunteer with local organizations, get to know the city of Chicago, and, for some, to get their first legal experience. It’s organized by the Public Interest Center, which works to increase pro bono and community service opportunities for Chicago-Kent students while also providing support for careers in public interest law and expanding access to justice in the community.

This year, 11 partner organizations, including the Chicago Coalition to End Homelessness and the Center for Disability and Elder Law, welcomed Chicago-Kent students, including Morgan Lewis ’28, who spent the day at the Pilsen Food Pantry.
“It feels like the law school has a greater purpose,” says Lewis. “Being a law student is being part of your community, and Public Service Day is a great avenue to explore that.”

Before departing for their destinations, the students were invited to take the Pro Bono Pledge, which is a vow to complete 50 hours of community service during their time at Chicago-Kent. Setting a new record, 83 percent of the students who attended Public Service Day signed up to take the pledge, up from 75 percent in 2024.

In addition, the center’s director, Michelle Vodenik, set a goal for the law school: perform 10,000 hours of community service this academic year. With 227 first-year students participating for three hours each at Public Service Day, in addition to 20 upper-division student volunteers, Chicago-Kent students started the year strong with 741 volunteer hours during Public Service Day alone.

“Law students are uniquely positioned to help people,” Vodenik said in her address to students at Public Service Day. “Being a lawyer is a privilege and an opportunity.”

Photo: Morgan Lewis '28 in front of Conviser Law Center before boarding a bus for Public Service Day 2025