On Wednesday, March 7, join the UNC School of Law community in celebrating and supporting public interest law at the annual Carolina Public Interest Law Organization (CPILO) Auction. At The Pitch in downtown Chapel Hill, this lively event brings together students, faculty, alumni, and public interest supporters to raise money for law students taking unpaid or underpaid summer internships in the public sector.
CPILO, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit run by Carolina Law students, promotes public interest law and equal access to public service careers. Through fundraising events and donor support, CPILO provides grant funding to tackle financial barriers for students dedicated to public interest work. Proceeds from the Annual Auction comprise CPILO’s primary funding source for these grants.
This year’s silent auction showcases over 35 items donated by local businesses and organizations. Bid on prizes like yoga classes, wine tastings, gift cards to restaurants and breweries, tickets to movies, dog training classes and more. A live auction hosted by Professors Osamudia James and Kathleen Thomas offers unique experiences like private dinners, cooking classes, tickets to the Carolina Hurricanes and UNC basketball games, a ping pong tournament, and brunch and paddle boarding with some of Carolina Law’s most beloved professors.
“The CPILO auction helps raise money for students with unpaid and underpaid public interest summer positions,” said CPILO Vice President Sarah Dobbs. “This allows students who want to pursue public interest law but otherwise couldn’t afford to live during the summer to pursue their passions. Students working with district attorneys, public defenders, nonprofits, the Department of Justice, and many more organizations benefit from this support.”
The auction has raised over $38,000 in past years, providing 60 student grants for public interest positions nationwide. Supporting the auction empowers the next generation of public interest lawyers and leaders. The event takes place Wednesday, March 7 at 6 p.m. at The Pitch in downtown Chapel Hill. To donate auction items or discuss sponsorships, contact Sarah Dobbs at sjdobbs@email.unc.edu.
