The career paths of five law students may be altered by a conversation I had two years ago. 

           The late Judge John Prevas was my criminal justice adviser.  We discussed the State’s Attorney race between Patricia Jessamy and Gregg Bernstein in the summer of 2010. 

           John felt that the office should more aggressively seek out the best students at  the University of Baltimore and University of Maryland Law Schools. 

          “I already passed a bill that could help.  The Walter Sondheim, Jr. program gives a $3,000 stipend to students who take summer internships working for the government or a non-profit,” I replied.

            Then I read the law. 

            A law student is eligible only if he or she “assists in providing legal services to low-income residents in the State who cannot afford legal services.”

           Prosecutors did not qualify.  Same for assistant Attorneys General. 

           So I introduced House Bill 487, which makes interns “providing legal services in a public service position” eligible for this assistance. 

           The legislation was enacted last year, and the first applications were submitted this spring. 

           The Shriver Center at UMBC administers this program.  They asked me to review the 13 applications for five scholarships and to suggest another person to join that process.  

           My choice was obvious. 

           Clint Bamberger created the national Legal Services Corporation alongside Sargent Shriver, as part of Lyndon Johnson’s War on Poverty. 

           Clint is my adviser on lead poisoning and several other issues. 

           This week, we selected the five law students who will receive this scholarship. 

           Their experience this summer could be an important step towards a career in public service.