Quick Facts for Prospective Employers

Q. How Does My Organization Get Placed on the Toll Public Interest Center (TPIC) Roster?

Complete and submit the "Placement Opportunity" form posted in the "Forms" section of our website. We will contact you to confirm your interest and mail to you both the "Placement Description," as it will appear on our database for student availability, and the "Supervisor Manual," to acquaint you with the Center's goals and expectations. We are also available to meet with you to discuss ways to recruit and mobilize students.

Q. What Are My Obligations as a TPIC Supervisor?

The Center requires participating employers to assign at least 35 hours of law-related work during the academic year (September – April); provide ongoing supervision and feedback to students regarding their progress and the quality of their work; and to complete all required paperwork ("Confirmation Agreement" prior to start of placement and "Student Log/Supervisory Report" once assignment has been completed).

Q. How Does the Placement Process Work?

Students contact supervisors after selecting their placements on a "first come/first served" basis during designated sign-up periods (September and January). Only the number of students you request will receive your contact information. Students are expected to meet with their selected organization and return a signed "Confirmation Agreement" within five working days. We request that you return student calls as soon as possible after initial contact is made.

Q. How Does My Organization Get Placed on the Toll Public Interest Center (TPIC) Roster?

Complete and submit the "Placement Opportunity" form posted in the "Forms" section of our website. We will contact you to confirm your interest and mail to you both the "Placement Description," as it will appear on our database for student availability, and the "Supervisor Manual," to acquaint you with the Program's goals and expectations. We are also available to meet with you to discuss ways to recruit and mobilize students.

Q. What Are My Obligations as a TPIC Supervisor?

The Program requires participating employers to assign at least 35 hours of law-related work during the academic year (September – April); provide ongoing supervision and feedback to students regarding their progress and the quality of their work; and to complete all required paperwork ("Confirmation Agreement" prior to start of placement and "Student Log/Supervisory Report" once assignment has been completed).

Q. How Does the Placement Process Work?

Students contact supervisors after selecting their placements on a "first come/first served" basis during designated sign-up periods (September and January). Only the number of students you request will receive your contact information. Students are expected to meet with their selected organization and return a signed "Confirmation Agreement" within five working days. We request that you return student calls as soon as possible after initial contact is made.

Q. Can I Pre-Select Which Students Work For Me?

While our sign-up process is based on a "first-come/first-served" basis, you can specify prerequisites that students must satisfy in order to select your placement. Those prerequisites will be listed on the "Placement Description" included on the roster that is used by students to select their placements. If you determine during your fist meeting that a student does not meet your requirements, we ask that you let the student know immediately.

Q. What if the Student Does Not Work Out?

The Program maintains contact with employers throughout the year. If there is a concern or issue about a student's work, we recommend that you discuss the situation directly with the student. If the student is not responsive and/or you are not able to come to a mutually agreeable resolution, please contact a member of the Program staff, and we will discuss the issue with the student. If the relationship is dissolved and an employer requests another student, the Program will try to accommodate the employer's needs, whether or not the request comes during one of the designated sign-up periods.

Q. What Types of Work and Assignments are Best Suited for Law Students?

Penn Law students can perform a wide range of legal work including community legal education, client intake, client interviews, administrative hearings, factual investigation, research and writing and policy analysis. Students cannot receive public service credit for clerical work, events planning, or donation solicitation.

Q. What If I Have Special Requirements?

You may indicate prerequisites and deadlines on the "Placement Opportunity" form.