UB Buffalo Public Interest Law Program Auction to Raise Funds for Public Interest Fellowships

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Want to feel good while snagging a bargain? Then attend the Buffalo Public Interest Law Program auction, to be held from 7-10 p.m. Feb. 28 in the Hyatt Regency Buffalo.

University at Buffalo Law School students who work over the summer at law firms or corporate law departments often earn big bucks. But for those whose passion for the law runs to public-interest work, there is a pesky little problem of money: Most public-interest internships pay nothing. How is a struggling student to survive?

Enter the Buffalo Public Interest Law Program, a student-run program that is one of the UB Law School's most active and most successful. Founded to help students take internships in public-interest settings, the group awards fellowships to UB law students to help make that financially possible. Last year, seven students each received BPILP fellowships of about $3,500 for the summer.

Much of this money is raised at a live and silent auction. This year, auction items include a Uzbekistan embroidered bedspread, a home-cooked Indian meal for four prepared by UB law professor Shubha Ghosh, tickets to performances in Shea's, memberships to the Jewish Community Center and restaurant gift certificates.

Tickets are $30, and may be purchased by email or telephone via credit card, or by mail via check or credit card. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door. Top-shelf open bar and hors d'oeuvres are included.

Donations also will be accepted. To purchase tickets, to make a cash or auction-item donation to BPILP, or for more information, contact: Sue Schwing, UB Law School, Buffalo Public Interest Law Program, 612 John Lord O'Brian Hall, Buffalo, N.Y. 14260, or email sschwing@acsu.buffalo.edu or telephone 716-645-2056.