Trio of Initiatives Raises Funds for Public Interest Internships

Every summer, Rutgers Law students dedicate their time and talents to public interest legal work - advocating for civil rights, social justice, and underserved communities. These vital internships, often unpaid, are supported by The Association for Public Interest Law (APIL) student-led initiatives at Rutgers Law in Camden.

The annual Roger S. Clark Rutgers Law APIL 5K Run for Justice in Camden is one of three initiatives in 2025 that raised funds for small stipends for these otherwise unpaid internships. This year’s Run on April 5 raised more than $7,000. Out of nearly 800 runners, Rutgers Law student Luke Andersen won the race with a time of 13.30.1. The race began and ended at the Camden Athletic Complex on the campus of Rutgers University-Camden.

The Run is named after Rutgers Law Professor Emeritus Roger S. Clark in recognition of his commitment to international human rights and competitive running and his annual generosity to APIL. An internationally renowned human rights and criminal law scholar, Professor Clark began running in 1954 as a high school student in New Zealand. He has since run in more than 50 countries.

Along with Tom Thomasson of the Camden Athletic Complex, the Rutgers Law Pro Bono Program has been collaborating on the Run for many years and recently began hosting Students Run Philly Style (SRPS). The SRPS program starts its season with the Run in advance of the Philadelphia Broad Street Run. 

“The first race of our season is always an important milestone for our teams, and we had many students who were running their first race ever!” said Mariana Falco, SRPS director of programs. “Everyone left feeling energized and ready for the Broad Street Run in just a few weeks.”

SRPS pairs volunteer mentors with teams of students in grades 6-12 to complete a full or half marathon. The program fosters a positive, safe environment that improves mental health, develops leadership skills, and promotes self-confidence. Rutgers Law Adjunct Professor William McNichol assumes the Run registration fee for all SRPS student runners.

This year, Professor McNichol received the APIL Auction award on April 10 for introducing APIL to SRPS and for his ongoing support of APIL. Summer public interest stipends are also funded by APIL’s annual auction. This year’s auction raised more than $9,000 with auction items ranging from stand-up paddleboard lessons and custom pet portraits to Hall of Fame Club Phillies tickets and Ax Throwing for three with Professor Barbara Gotthelf.

Pam Mertsock-Wolfe, director of the Rutgers Law Pro Bono and Public Interest Program in Camden, said, “Advising law students on fundraising for their colleagues is a joy, and the generosity of individuals like Bill McNichol and Roger Clark is inspiring.” 

New this year, APIL opened a Career Closet at the law school where the law school community can donate and buy business apparel, shoes, and jewelry. The brainchild of Rutgers Law Professor Sarah Ricks, the closet will remain open until the end of the semester.