Every year the Law School Auction is one of the best attended social events at Iowa Law.  

Hosted by the Equal Justice Foundation (EJF), the event raises money for summer stipends for students pursuing public interest internships—from public defender's offices to non-profit organizations and everywhere in between—which often offer little to no compensation. The auction’s proceeds help to provide funding for student’s living expenses during the time of their internship. 

Chole Schumacher, the EJF student leader and auction co-chair said, “The auction isn't just a fun way to celebrate the middle of the fall semester, it is supporting a great cause. For some students, without the stipends raised through the auction, they wouldn't be able to feasibly work in an unpaid internship during the summer, which could mean putting their law school aspirations on hold. The money raised through the auction not only encourages these students to pursue their aspirations of serving low-income or under-represented communities but gives them the means to do so by providing financial support.” 

This event brings the Iowa Law community together, often in interesting ways. For the live auction, professors will donate unique group experiences for students to bid on. In the past these fun and sometimes quirky donations have included a 6-hour puppy playdate, trivia, pizza parties, a Bob Dylan evening with Professor Bauer, an evening with a Hollywood celebrity, and so much more. 

This year was no exception. Professors Diamantis and Grewal offered up Toasts with Ghosts, where students go on a ghost hunt through Diamantis' 126-year-old home, led by real ghost hunters. Professors Guernsey and Professor Fisher Page will host a night of line dancing and BBQ. Dean Washburn offered a nice dinner at Orchard Green. Some popular events made a reappearance like the annual Hockey with Yockey, where students and Professor Yockey will attend a local hockey game. The annual trivia night with Professors Prince, Odinet, Sakoda, and Vogel was offered again this year. 

This year’s auction took place on Friday, October 14th at 7:00 p.m. at the Heights Rooftop in Iowa City. The auction raised over $12,000 from the silent and live auctions alone (not counting other donations and sponsorships). And it's not too late to give! You can support Iowa Law students pursuing public interest summer internships here. 

Many thanks to everyone who made the event a huge success including faculty director (Professor Anya Prince), EJF auction chairs (Chloe Schumacher, Alysha Rameshk, and Jasmine Castelan), past EJF fund recipients who volunteered their time to support the event, and professors and staff who donated prizes.