2026 Galilee Immersion Program Shows First-Year Law Students Public Service Impact

with local attorneys at Polsinelli to learn about healthcare law and participated in VITA and CVLS tax assistance clinics, offering legal help to community members in need. By experiencing various facets of legal practice, students were able to see how lawyers can make a difference in diverse areas of the law.

The Los Angeles Galilee Experience

Notre Dame Law students visiting the Los Angeles Superior Court. Photo by Edward Himes.

In Los Angeles, students explored entertainment law through a visit to Netflix and examined criminal defense work at the Federal Public Defender. They also met with attorneys at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher to learn about appellate practice, and engaged in immigration policy discussions with CARECEN. Their experience also included discussions on civil rights and social justice at Inner City Law Center, showcasing the intersection between law, policy, and societal impact.

The New York Galilee Experience

Notre Dame Law students visiting The Bronx Defenders in New York.

New York offered students the opportunity to delve into public interest work through visits to the Legal Aid Society, Sanctuary for Families, Hispanic Federation, and Public Counsel. They engaged in discussions on juvenile justice, housing law, immigration policy, and public benefits to see how legal advocacy can have a direct impact on marginalized communities. Students also visited Proskauer Rose to learn about pro bono initiatives within a law firm setting and participated in discussions on legal aid and public defense at Bronx Defenders.

The Phoenix Galilee Experience

Notre Dame Law students visiting the ASU Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. Photo by Nick Stousland.

In Phoenix, students experienced a mix of legal practice and public service with visits to the Arizona Summit Court, Fennemore Craig, Maricopa County Public Defender’s Office, and other organizations dedicated to community legal service. They engaged in discussions on Indian law and tribal advocacy at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, learning about the unique legal challenges faced by indigenous communities. The week showcased the intersection of legal practice, community service, and policy advocacy, highlighting the diverse opportunities within the legal profession.

The Philadelphia Galilee Experience

Notre Dame Law students visiting the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit in Philadelphia. Photo by Nick DeSantis.

In Philadelphia, students explored a range of legal practice areas, from criminal defense work at the Federal Community Defender Office to corporate law at Duane Morris. They visited the Federal District Court and participated in discussions on death penalty law with the Federal Capital Habeas Corpus Unit. Students also learned about public health law and healthcare policy at Drexel University’s School of Public Health, gaining insight into the legal issues surrounding public health initiatives. The experience underscored how different areas of legal practice intersect with public policy and social issues, offering students a holistic view of legal work.

The Pittsburgh Galilee Experience

Notre Dame Law students visiting PNC Bank in Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh hosted students eager to explore public interest work. They visited Reed Smith to learn about pro bono initiatives and engaged in discussions on civil rights and policing at the University of Pittsburgh Law School. The group learned about federal oversight and regulatory work through a visit to the U.S. Department of Energy, gaining insight into the role of lawyers in shaping policy and enforcing regulations. By engaging in discussions on environmental law, civil rights, and public health policies, students saw how lawyers can contribute to systemic change and advance social justice.

The South Bend Galilee Experience

Not Notre Dame Law students volunteering at Cultivate Food Rescue in South Bend. Photo by Shane Ingram.

In South Bend, students cindered their Galilee experience around local community service. They volunteered at Cultivate Food Rescue, Brightpoint Legal Aid Clinic, and South Bend Juvenile Justice Center, engaging in hands-on service projects that gave back to the local community. By visiting local legal aid clinics, participating in pro bono work, and interacting with community organizations, students saw how legal advocacy plays a crucial role in promoting social welfare and providing access to justice for vulnerable populations. Through their service projects, students were able to make a direct impact in their own community, showcasing the power of pro bono legal work and community service.

Conclusion

The Galilee Immersion Program offers first-year law students a unique opportunity to explore public interest work, engage with a wide range of legal practice areas, and learn from experienced lawyers and legal advocates. By visiting a diverse array of cities, practice settings, and legal organizations, students are able to see firsthand how the law intersects with policy, advocacy, and community service. Through interactive experiences, discussions with legal professionals, and hands-on service projects, students gain insight into how lawyers can make a difference in society, promote social justice, and address systemic issues. The Galilee Program serves as a foundation for students to reflect on their future legal careers, consider how they can incorporate public interest work into their practice, and live out the mission of being a “different kind of lawyer.”