For the 26th year, the Students for Public Interest Law (SPIL) held its annual auction, a signature event within the Law School community. The auction raises money to fund stipends for CUA Law students to take summer public interest jobs that they otherwise could not afford to accept. For the selected applicants each year, the SPIL stipend makes the critical difference in their ability to pursue their passion for helping others.

The February 17 event offered its usual combination of a live auction, a silent auction offering donated items on display tables for one week leading up to the main event, and for the second year in a row, an online auction for bidders who could not attend in person.

The live auction kicked off with opening remarks from CUA Law Dean Daniel F. Attridge and Sydny Bryan (2L). "The auction is only possible with the hard work of the faculty, staff, student body, alumni, family and friends. We give these amazing people our sincerest gratitude. That so many would work so hard without expecting anything in return exemplifies the spirit of public interest, SPIL, and the auction," Bryan said.

Attendees shouted out their bids for such things as getaways to Cancun and Las Vegas, cocktails, brunches, and dinners with professors and staff members, a chance to attend a live telecast of Meet the Press and The O'Reilly Factor. Silent auction items ranged from a Kosher Dinner with CUA Law Professor Marshall Breger, an engagement photo session, and an Amazon Fire Tablet.

CUA Law Professor Mary Leary served as the volunteer auctioneer. This was Leary's ninth year running the live auction. Each law school class donated a class basket. The 3L class basket won with the highest bidding.

"Elizabeth Ross (2L), Sydny Bryan (2L), Caroline Mrohs (3L) and Maggie O'Neill (3L) worked tirelessly to prepare for and manage another successful SPIL Auction," said David Schrock, the Law School's director of financial aid and the staff advisor for the event. "Each year I am inspired by members of the SPIL and their dedication to the public interest law, and especially their commitment to make this fund-raising event both successful and fun."

For other photos from the 26th Annual SPIL Auction visit our Facebook page here.