March 18, 2015
Dozens of St. Mary’s University law students skipped the trip to the beach and, instead, spent their spring break working on public interest legal issues and community service projects in cities across Texas and in Louisiana — racking up a total of 2,480 public service hours.
Fifty-nine students participated in the law school’s Alternative Spring Break program, spearheaded by the law campus minister, Sister Grace Walle, F.M.I., and the School of Law’s Pro Bono Program.
Students traveled to New Orleans, Dallas, Houston, Austin and the McAllen area, while some contributed their time here in San Antonio.
During the program, students gained experience and grew their professional networks as they engaged with judges, nonprofit legal aid offices, policy organizations and community service providers.
One group traveled to the Rio Grande Valley region and assisted nearly 40 people with finalizing their wills. Another student reflected on her time working with Advocates for Community Transformation in Dallas.