UA Law’s Public Interest Institute Honors Anti-Poverty Advocate

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama School of Law’s Public Interest Institute honored a Birmingham anti-poverty advocate with the School’s highest public service award during a recent awards ceremony.

Kristina Scott, executive director of Alabama Possible, was awarded an honorary Order of the Samaritan medal for her efforts. Scott, the evening’s keynote speaker, also addressed a group of aspiring public interest lawyers about following their passion in pursuing careers that allow them to make a positive impact on others around them.

Scott described her journey from Emory University School of Law in Atlanta to Los Angeles – where she became involved in local government – to her current work in Birmingham. With Alabama Possible, Scott works on anti-poverty initiatives involving issues such as hunger, sustainable food security and college readiness.

During the ceremony, 19 Alabama School of Law students were also awarded the Order of the Samaritan, while 29 students earned the Dean’s Community Service Award for performing 40 hours of volunteer work. Additionally, 17 third-year students were recognized for completing the requirements for the Certificate in Public Interest Law, a specialization offered by the School of Law.

The Public Interest Institute is a program at The University of Alabama School of Law that seeks to support law students at every stage of their development into public interest lawyers, as well as to foster a lifelong commitment to pro bono legal service in all law students.