The Florida State University College of Law has appointed Paolo Annino the Glass Professor of Public Interest Law. The endowed professorship, which was created by an anonymous donor, recognizes the important work of the law school’s Public Interest Law Center.

Professor Paolo Annino
Co-directed by Annino, the Public Interest Law Center trains second- and third-year law students in legal advocacy with an emphasis on intensive one-on-one and small group instruction. It consists of three clinics: the Children's Advocacy Clinic, the Family Law Clinic and the Medical-Legal Partnership. Annino supervises students who represent “live clients” through the Children’s Advocacy Clinic. Annino and his students have received national and international recognition for their advocacy on behalf of children. In 2010, members of the U.S. Supreme Court cited repeatedly a study led by Annino in a landmark decision that life in prison without the opportunity for parole represents cruel and unusual punishment for juvenile offenders who did not commit homicide.

“I am thrilled that we can recognize Paolo and all of the great work he is doing at the Public Interest Law Center with this professorship,” said Dean Don Weidner. “Because of his efforts, hundreds of our graduates have left Florida State with hands-on legal experience and with an appreciation for public interest law.”