University of Idaho College of Law Public Interest Law Group

The blog from the 2007 Trip is available at:

http://www.law.uidaho.edu/default.aspx?pid=98583

Last year, fourteen University of Idaho College of Law students went to New Orleans on an “Alternative Spring Break.” The break was spent helping the victims of Hurricane Katrina with legal issues as well as physical rebuilding. It was incredible to see how little progress had been made over a year after the hurricane.

Most of the people we met were still living in trailers, all less than 200 sq ft, sometimes with as many as five people living in the cramped space.

Here is what the students have to say about their experience:

“Getting out of the classroom and interacting with people who truly needed legal help and didn’t have access to it was both personally and educationally rewarding.”

“Alternative Spring Break really illuminated the need to give a voice to some that may not be able to speak for themselves.”

“This trip reaffirmed my decision to pursue a career that can truly make a difference in someone’s life. I believe we made a difference in New Orleans. Nothing I have done in law school has been more valuable or rewarding.”

“The trip made me realize the great potential attorneys have to make people’s lives better.”

The trip was a success because it was both eye-opening and a great application of our legal skills. We were actually helping people - not just discussing legal theory.