Service has long been a cornerstone of the legal profession, and at Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law, students are encouraged to use their legal education to make a meaningful impact both in the classroom and in the community.
This year, third-year students Harper Cook and Daniel Washington are serving as Cumberland's Public Interest liaisons in the Office of Clinics, Externships and Public Interest. In their roles, Cook and Washington help connect classmates with service opportunities while promoting a culture of public interest and pro bono engagement. Learn more about what inspired their commitment to service, their goals for the year and how they hope to use their legal careers to make a difference.
What inspired your commitment to public interest and service, and how did that influence your decision to attend law school?
Cook: My commitment to service really took shape during my master's program, when I discovered how meaningful it was to volunteer outside of school. Giving back helped me stay grounded, connect with people from different backgrounds, and see how much even a small amount of time can mean to someone else. When I began looking at law schools, I wanted to be somewhere that shared those values. What ultimately drew me to Cumberland was hearing students describe a community where people genuinely care about their work and about one another.
Washington: My commitment to public interest and service is rooted in my faith and the belief that we each have a responsibility to use our gifts and opportunities to serve others. Before law school, I worked in social work, where I saw how many challenges people face are connected to larger systems and institutions. Those experiences taught me the importance of listening, advocating and taking action. I chose law school because I saw the legal profession as another way to help people, address inequities and create meaningful change in the lives of others.
What does public interest law mean to you, and why do you believe it plays an important role in the legal profession?
Cook: To me, public interest law means using what we learn to serve people and communities, not only those who can afford legal representation. It reminds us that the law is meant to work for everyone. Public interest work keeps attorneys connected to the real-world impact of their profession, whether they're working for a nonprofit, serving in government or providing pro bono assistance through private practice.
Washington: Public interest law reflects the profession's responsibility to help ensure access to justice for those who might otherwise be overlooked or underserved. Our legal system is not perfect, but lawyers have an opportunity and obligation to help move it closer to the ideals of fairness, equity, and justice. Whether through direct representation, policy work, community education, or pro bono service, public interest law turns compassion into action and reminds us that the profession is about more than the cases we win. It's also about how we respond to people who need our help.
As Public Interest liaisons, what are your goals for this year, and how do you hope to support fellow Cumberland students interested in service and public interest work?
Cook: I want to help create service opportunities that are accessible, engaging and enjoyable for all students. Law school is demanding, and it's easy to feel like there's no time for community involvement. I hope to show my classmates that service can provide balance, strengthen connections with others, and remind us why we chose to pursue the law in the first place.
Washington: One of my goals is to help foster a culture where service is viewed as an essential part of becoming a lawyer, not something separate from legal education. Working alongside Harper, I hope to increase awareness of pro bono opportunities, strengthen relationships with the community, and help students recognize that public service can be part of any legal career. Ultimately, I want students to see service as a lasting commitment rather than simply a volunteer requirement.
Looking ahead, how do you hope to use your legal education and future career to make a difference in the lives of others?
Cook: I'm currently interested in environmental law because environmental issues affect every community and have a direct impact on people's daily lives. At the same time, I'm keeping an open mind as law school continues to introduce me to new areas of practice. Wherever my career leads, I hope to carry the spirit of service I've developed over the years and continue finding ways to give back to my community.
Washington: I hope to use my legal education to advocate for people whose voices are too often overlooked and to help improve the systems that affect their lives. My background in social work has taught me that every legal matter involves a person whose experiences and circumstances deserve to be understood. Whether through direct representation, public policy, or community advocacy, I want my career to reflect a commitment to treating others with dignity, compassion, and respect. More than any title or accomplishment, I hope to be remembered for faithfully using my skills to serve others.
