The Call-Backs for Public Service project is based on the reality that 1) 2Ls and 3Ls conducing public interest or government job searches typically incur substantial travel costs and 2) their law school colleagues conducting large law firm job searches have their travel costs paid for by the law firms.
The Call-Backs for Public Service fund helps cover these public sector job search expenses. The fund is created by donations from large law firms. These donations are triggered when students attending large law firm call-back interviews decline firm-financed hotel stays and/or taxi rides. Details below:
Participating Law Firms
Reimbursement Form
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the Call-Backs for Public Service Program?
When you go to a call-back interview with a law firm that participates in our fall recruiting program, that law firm will reimburse you for your travel and hotel expenses. If you can opt to stay with a friend or relative rather than at a hotel when you travel to your call-back interview, the law firm will contribute $200 to the Cornell Law School Callbacks for Public Service Fund. If you opt to forgo reimbursement for airport taxis, your firm contributes an additional $50.
What is the Call-Backs for Public Service Fund?
Your fellow students interviewing with government agencies and public interest organizations can incur significant job search expenses. These expenses can be particularly daunting as every interview involves traveling outside of Ithaca, and expenses are seldom, if ever, reimbursed by public sector employers! Upper class students who incur public sector job search expenses can request reimbursement from this Fund. Last year (2007) - the first year of our Callbacks for Public Service Program - was a great success! Participating students and law firms working together raised enough money to allow us to grant 100% of the 2L and 3L public service interview reimbursement requests!
Why should I participate in the Call-Backs for Public Service Program?
The money raised makes it possible for your classmates to pursue summer and post-graduate employment with public interest organizations and government agencies that provide legal services to underrepresented individuals and causes. Also, the Call-Backs for Public Service Program gives law firms an opportunity to demonstrate support for Cornell Law Students and public interest law.
Who can participate in the Call-Backs for Public Service Program ?
Any student going on a call-back interview (at a participating firm) whose family or friends can provide a room for the night or a ride to and from the airport in the destination city.
Where do I get Call-Backs for Public Service Program participation forms?
Pick up hard copies at the Career Services Office or download the form from the Career Services Office website, but please remember to print it double-sided.
How do I find out if my firm participates in the Call-Backs for Public Service Program?
The participating firm list will be available prior to the August Job Fair. Look for it on the Career Services Office website and posted outside the Career Services Office. The list will be regularly updated.
What if I'm not interviewing with an OCI firm?
Use the Call-Backs for Public Service Program anyway! Even if you're interviewing with a small firm or a firm that doesn't come to campus - any firm that's willing to put you up in a hotel can participate. Just decline a hotel room and submit the participation form with your receipts. If the firm has any questions direct them to Assistant Dean Karen Comstock at kvc2@cornell.edu.
Do I have to ask about the Call-Backs for Public Service Program when l schedule my interview?
No. Just decline hotel accommodations and submit a Call-Backs for Public Service Program form with your receipts for reimbursement. We'll do the rest.
But do I have to mention the Call-Backs for Public Service Program at the call-back?
Not if you don't want to. Just go to your call-back well rested and relaxed after spending the night with friends and family and submit the Call-Backs for Public Service Program form when you submit all your other travel receipts.
Does using the Call-Backs for Public Service Program have a negative effect on my interview or prospects?
Not at all! The Call-Backs for Public Service Program has no effect on your interview or chance at landing a job. Law firms have volunteered to participate - it gives firms a chance to increase their commitment to public service and their visibility with Cornell Law students.
When must I decide to participate in the Call-Backs for Public Service Program for a particular call-back?
At any point before you get that room key! Simply inform the firm that you won't need accommodations during your visit. You can even cancel arrangements you've already made (as long as you follow the hotel's cancellation policy).
What if I'm visiting more than one firm during one call-back trip?
Submit hotel vouchers to each firm you interview with during that trip. The firms will take care of the rest.
After I return from my call-back, how do I complete the Call-Backs for Public Service Program process?
Fill out the two-part Call-Backs for Public Service Program form, return one part to the firm with your expense log and return the other part to the Career Services Office.
If I participate in the Call-Backs for Public Service Program, does that mean I never get to stay in a hotel?
NO!!! You can decide on a firm-by-firm basis. We'd like everyone to donate one night's stay.
I’ve already made my arrangements but now I want to use the Call-Backs for Public Service Program!
Unlike nonrefundable airfares, hotel rooms are usually fully refundable until the day of your arrival. If your best friend moves or Great Aunt Mildred offers you space in the spare room, just call the travel agent back and cancel that hotel. Submit the Call-Backs for Public Service Program form with your receipts and we'll follow up.
Additional questions? Contact Karen Comstock, Assistant Dean for Public Service – kvc2@cornell.edu
