Welcome to the Conference on Public Service and the Law at the University of Virginia School of Law. Founded by law students at the University of Virginia five years ago, the Conference brings together students, faculty, attorneys, and policymakers to explore public interest issues facing today’s legal community. The Conference sparks scholarly debate on subjects generally left outside the classroom, such as corporate responsibility, affirmative action, and international development.

Perhaps most importantly, the Conference illustrate for students the wide variety of ways that lawyers can and do become involved in public service. Past conferences have been enormously successful, with more than five hundred law students and close to one hundred panelists from across the country participating. The Conference is rapidly becoming the most prominent student-organized public service event on the East Coast. We hope to see you February 11-12, 2005.