Sue Pak joined the Law School on November 10 as the director of Public Service and Pro Bono in the Office of Career Services—a role that reflects the Law School’s commitment to supporting public service pathways and strengthening its pro bono culture. In this position, she will lead programs and career advising for students and alumni interested in public service and pro bono work.

Pak brings a strong, mission-driven background to UChicago Law. A graduate of DePaul University’s College of Law, Pak says her passion for social justice inspired her to pursue a legal education to advance social justice. 

“I've always had a heart for social justice issues,” she said. “As a person of faith, I felt a calling to attend law school. I was a first-generation law student and did not know many attorneys, let alone attorneys who did public interest work. But I believed that I needed a law degree to pursue justice and to tackle systemic injustices that exist.”

Pak spent almost a decade of her legal career at Cabrini Green Legal Aid (CGLA), where she served in different capacities, beginning as a Skadden Fellow providing re-entry services to youth and emerging adults impacted by gun violence, and later serving as the group’s director of development.

“Over the years working in legal aid, I have seen how much access to legal services can change a person’s life,” said Pak. “It’s my personal mission to help remove barriers to this access for the benefit of the public good. I am excited to get to know the students of UChicago Law and help them engage in this very fulfilling work.”

As she begins her new role, Pak hopes to strengthen the sense of community among students interested in public interest law and pro bono work. She will work closely with students in the new Public Interest Leadership Program, but also sees herself as a mentor for all students interested in exploring this career path.

“I understand from my own experience the kind of challenges that come with being a public interest attorney,” Pak said. “At the same time, I also know how rewarding it is. I want to be a champion for students who want to pursue this path and help them succeed in every way I can.”

Below, Pak shares more about what motivates her, why pro bono matters, and what message she hopes to send to students as she begins this new chapter.

What makes public interest and pro bono work important to you?

I believe every attorney has a professional obligation to utilize their legal skills to serve the public and especially serve those who are disadvantaged, marginalized, or cannot get access to an attorney or to justice without legal services. 

I know that not everyone is able to become a public interest attorney, or even wants to pursue that path. I understand my own privilege in being able to have this kind of career. But I do hope that any person who graduates from this Law School will have that sense of moral obligation or, you know, commitment to not only do what they want with their legal career, but also understand they have a lot of power and privilege with their profession that could be used to serve others and their communities.

I also want students to know that this path is not a one-way street. I find public interest work very rewarding. When you do it, you get something out of it too. I was always so proud of the work I did at the end of the day. And I truly believe that for society to flourish, everybody within it must flourish—and legal justice is a necessary part of making that happen. 

What keeps you inspired in your work?

Thinking about my experience at CGLA and what kept me inspired there each day: It was both the powerful advocacy of my fellow attorney colleagues and the personal strength of our clients and their ability to advocate for themselves. That and the fact that I can now use my own gifts, legal skills, and passions to pursue justice and encourage current and future lawyers to do the same inspires me to keep going! My hope is that all students can experience the joy that comes from serving others as I did as a law student and now as an attorney.

What makes pro bono an important part of legal education and the legal profession?

As someone who has worked in legal aid, I can tell you that we could not possibly serve all the people who needed help—we’re talking thousands of individuals— without the help of pro bono attorneys. Pro bono attorneys are absolutely essential for ensuring access to justice. That’s across all organizations, not just legal aid. 

Students should also know that firms generally encourage pro bono service. So, you want to get into the practice of figuring out how you can incorporate pro bono time into your schedules now. As a student, pro bono work gives you the opportunity to gain real-life legal experience and pick up hard and soft skills very early on as a law student. It can also give you exposure to a legal issue that you may find yourself wanting to explore. It’s a great way to get your feet wet and gain a deeper understanding of how the law works in practice.

What advice would you give to a student who wants to get involved in public service or in pro bono, but doesn't know where to start?

You can always start by visiting us in Career Services. We are here to help you find an opportunity that fits your interests and schedule. My colleague Elise Tincher and I have a network of connections with alumni and organizations that can help set you in the direction you want to go.

How would you counsel students or alumni seeking to incorporate pro bono into their careers? 

Many firms encourage some level of pro bono involvement from their attorneys. Some even have minimum requirements for pro bono hours. So, if you are looking to weave pro bono work in your career, I would look for a firm that has a strong pro bono culture. Or if you are already employed in a firm, talk to your firm’s pro bono counsel or other attorneys you admire who are actively doing pro bono work, as they can share some recommendations. Network with as many people as you can who are living the kind of life that you want to lead and ask them how they do it.

Is there a general message that you would like to share with students as you embark on this new chapter? 

I want students to know that I'm here to support you and I cannot wait to meet you. The calling to be a public interest lawyer is a hard one. Sometimes you may not have many resources to help you and at times the systems in place seem to be working against you, so you have to be sharp and committed. Your clients deserve the best legal representation. The public interest attorneys that I know who are from the University of Chicago Law School—they are some of the best attorneys I’ve ever met. I feel so privileged to be able to work with the next generation of public interest attorneys from UChicago that are going to be changing the world. To be able to support, encourage, and invest in their lives—that is a joy for me and that is why I’m here.