DePaul University College of Law's
public interest law and health law programs each received high marks
from from preLaw magazine in the 2016 Back to School issue. The periodical ranks law schools that are dedicated to innovation and provide exceptional
offerings in key areas. DePaul was one of only five schools to
receive an A+ rating, the magazine's highest grade, in public
interest law, while its health program garnered an A-.
The public interest law program offers students myriad opportunities for professional growth with a focus on social justice issues. Among its most notable programs are the DePaul Journal for Social Justice, a first-year
legal writing section dedicated to public interest law, summer job placements, and numerous
pro bono and volunteer opportunities.
Shaye Loughlin, the executive director of the Center for Public Interest Law, was "thrilled to learn about our public interest grade by preLaw magazine." She said Professor Emeritus Leonard Cavise, the founding faculty director of the center, recognized how the public interest law program reflects the university's Vincentian philosophy to aid the poor and vulnerable in our communities. “The preLaw grade recognizes the strength of our public interest law training program and our committed community of social justice advocates,” continued Loughlin.
For more than 30 years, DePaul's health law program has been on the forefront of
health law education, research and scholarship. The health law curriculum offers a wide range of coursework in traditional, face-to-face classes, online classes, fieldwork and other experiential offerings. Courses cover diverse areas including regulatory, corporate compliance, policy, social and ethical issues.
Through the Mary and Michael Jaharis Health Law Institute (JHLI), students also have numerous opportunities to expand their potential in the health law field through a fellowship program, summer job placements and moot court competitions. Executive Director Katherine Schostok and Faculty Director Wendy Epstein oversee the JHLI programs.