Every year, the University of Maine School of Law comes alive with one of its most anticipated and spirited traditions: the Maine Association for Public Interest Law (MAPIL) Annual Auction. This year, the 38th annual event didn’t just meet expectations—it shattered them, raising enough to support several internships and power the next generation of public interest lawyers.
For many Maine Law students, the call to serve is strong—but the path isn’t always paved with paychecks. Public interest opportunities with nonprofits, government agencies, and legal aid organizations are often unpaid. That’s where MAPIL fellowships step in, opening doors for students to gain hands-on, real-world experience while making a tangible difference in communities across Maine—and sometimes, far beyond.
This support isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. The need for public interest lawyers is urgent, and Maine Law is on the front lines of meeting that challenge. Through clinics, internships and externships, and public service programs, Maine Law prepares students to advocate for those who need it most. MAPIL is a cornerstone of this mission, ensuring that financial barriers don’t stand in the way of service.
“This funding has no geographic limit, and sometimes we have sent students across the country or even out of the country,” said Christina Green, MAPIL executive board member, as she kicked off the auction. “These experiences are formative for students and essential to legal aid providers.”
The numbers tell a powerful story. According to the American Civil Liberties Union of Maine, as of last year, 358 Mainers in need of representation in a criminal matter had no attorney. Fifty-seven were in custody without counsel, and 283 more awaited trial without representation. While the crisis has eased since its 2023 peak, the gap in access to justice remains stark.
The legal profession is taking notice. Public interest work is increasingly recognized as vital, but for many students, it’s not financially sustainable without support. Even major law firms are stepping up, offering stipends to encourage students to pursue public interest roles during their first summer—proof of both the value of this work and the barriers that persist.
MAPIL’s impact is powered by student leadership and a deep commitment to community. By rallying support through the annual auction, students invest directly in their peers and in the broader fight for justice.
“MAPIL represents the very best of Maine Law. Our students are not only committed to learning the law, but to using it in service of others,” said University of Maine School of Law President and Dean, Leigh I. Saufley. “Through their leadership and dedication, they are helping to expand access to justice while building the skills and values that will define their careers.“
