The Institute for Law and Public Affairs commenced on September 1, 2001, as an academic partnership between the University of Texas at San Antonio and the University of Texas School of Law, operating at the Downtown UTSA Campus. The Institute has a three-part mission:
Education: The Institute shall develop and implement one of the nation's premier pre-law programs, enhancing the number of students from UTSA's geographic region that gain admission to and excel in high-quality law schools. Every summer, the Institute conducts a highly rigorous, academically intense Summer Law School Preparation Academy (SLSPA) using highest quality UTSA and UT School of Law faculty, providing students with a unique, enhanced educational experience. Students completing the twelve hour Academy program get a Certificate in Legal Reasoning.
Research: The Institute shall establish and coordinate a world-class consortium of scholars and professionals that collaborate on multidisciplinary research projects in the areas of law and public affairs having special interest to the State of Texas. Students engaged in the educational programs of the Institute shall serve on projects as research assistants to enable them to participate in major professional research.
Service: The Institute seeks to enrich the UTSA's contributions to and communications with the community through lecture series, symposia, and town meetings on topics of high importance to Texas. Topics have included the Patriot Act, Immigration, Religion and Law, Call to Duty, and a History of Eastside City Council Representation.