Law School Public Interest Programs - Term Time Fellowships/Scholarships
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
The Margaret and Edgar Sandman Fellowship Program
Established in 1992 by Morris Silverman, class of 36, and the children of Edgar and Margaret Sandman, up to two second-year students are selected each year to participate in this initiative. Fellows immerse themselves in a topic of law, host a roundtable discussion with key policy makers and advocates involved with the issue, and publish a report which is disseminated nationwide.
American University Washington College of Law
Law School Funded:
Public Interest/Public Service Scholars (PIPS) Program - http://www.wcl.american.edu/finaid/pipsscholarship.cfm
In 2001, WCL created the merit-based Public Interest/Public Service scholarship program to provide financial and programmatic support to students with both strong academic credentials and a clearly demonstrable desire and commitment to pursue a career in public interest or public service upon graduation. Every year, WCL will offer up to 10 full-tuition scholarships to entering full-time students. These students will receive individualized academic and career counseling, faculty and alumni mentoring and other support to ensure their experience at WCL will equip them to pursue and obtain rewarding and meaningful careers in non-profits, government, or private public interest law firms. They will also have many opportunities to develop relationships with other PI/PS scholars while here at WCL, ultimately graduating into a global network of other like-minded lawyers whom they can call upon throughout their professional careers.
Eligibility = Both strong academic credentials and a clearly demonstrable desire and commitment to pursue a career in public interest or public service upon graduation.
Commitment = Montly meetings, Maintain a 3.0 GPA, Organizing our Public Service Day at WCL, Participate w/ Public Interest Roundtables, Participate in Pro Bono Honors Pledge, Writing, Three years of their first five years after graduation in full-time public interest or public service employement
Fred R. Joseph Memorial Scholarship - http://www.wcl.american.edu/finaid/restrict_funding.cfm
This need-based award is for a student interested in public interest, civil rights, or criminal law as demonstrated through service to the community, work experience, or participation in WCL's clinical programs.
The Elliott S. Milstein Endowed Scholarship - http://www.wcl.american.edu/finaid/restrict_funding.cfm
A third-year WCL student with demonstrated fincancial need who intends to go into practice representing the poor in either civil or criminal cases. The commitment to such work must be demonstrated by activities either before or during law school.
Arthur Mathews Memorial Scholarship - http://www.wcl.american.edu/finaid/restrict_funding.cfm
A student whose record of commitment demonstrates that he or she will follow Mr. Matthew's example of fervently believing in the importance of pro bono service.
The Peter Cicchino Award - http://www.wcl.american.edu/finaid/restrict_funding.cfm
Three awards will be given to recognize the accomplishments of one WCL student and two alumni who exemplify the highest level of dedication to working with marginalized and underserved communities in the U.S. and abroad.
Cicchino Foundation - The Mary C. Arends Scholarship http://www.wcl.american.edu/finaid/restrict_funding.cfm
First-year female student who is entering law school after several years in the workplace and who is interested in public interest or public service law, civil rights, or domestic issues.
John and Tyna Karl Employee Rights Scholarship http://www.wcl.american.edu/finaid/restrict_funding.cfm
A student who, through his or her academic and extracurricular commitments, demonstrates promise for a career advocating on behalf of employees in the workplace.
Graduate Student Funded:
The SBA, working with the administration, provides several stipends each year to students performing outstanding pro bono work.
Other Funding Source:
Law School Funded:
None
Graduate Student Funded:
None
Other Funding Source:
None
Arizona State University Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law
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Barry University School of Law
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Law School Funded:
In 2004, Baylor Law School established the Equal Justice Scholarship, a full-tuition scholarship awarded with a commitment from the student to work for at least three years in a Texas public interest setting following graduation. The intention was that the scholarship would serve the same purpose of an LRAP but would do so on the ‘front end.’ Instead of assisting in the payment of loans that had accrued and would continue to accrue interest, the scholarship would minimize the number of loans that would need to be taken in the first place. This has enabled students to accept positions working with low-income Texans that they would not have been able to accept but for the scholarship because of the low salaries associated with these positions.
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Law School Funded:
Each year, Boston College Law School awards three full-tuition Public Service Scholarships to highly qualified applicants who are committed to practicing law in service of the public after graduation. In keeping with Boston College Law School’s mission of education for the service of others and in recognition of the fact that such work tends to be significantly under-compensated, this program supports students committed to careers in the public sector by mitigating the expense and associated debts of their legal education by offering three full-tuition scholarships annually. Recipients are selected by a scholarship committee appointed by the Dean.
Public Service Scholars are given a faculty mentor to support them throughout their three years at BC Law. Public Service Scholars are expected to work both of their summers during law school for a public interest organization (exceptions to this policy will be considered in extraordinary circumstances and must be authorized by the Scholarship Committee). Public Service Scholars are expected to take a substantial leadership role in the public interest community at the Law School. Examples of activities that would fulfill this expectation are:
- assist in running the annual Public Interest Retreat;
- organize the Law School's annual Diversity month;
- assume a leadership role in PILF or other public interest organizations;
- organize colloquia on public policy and law topics.
Public Service Scholars are expected to work for a public interest organization after graduation.
For information on how to apply please see: http://www.bc.edu/schools/law/admission/finaid/scholloans.html
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Boston University School of Law
Law School Funded:
Boston University School of Law is committed to supporting students who are dedicated to public interest law. Our Public Interest Scholars program is designed to provide financial support to a number of students who have demonstrated their desire to pursue a career in public interest law.
BU Law awards a limited number of full-tuition scholarships on the basis of academic merit, financial need, and a demonstrated commitment to public interest.
Interested students must submit the following application materials by March 1, 2009:
For additional information please see: http://www.bu.edu/law/prospective/apply/jd/finaid/public.html
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Other Funding Source:
BU Law counsels students regarding fellowship opportunities and offers resources to help students identify term-time fellowships and awards.
Brigham Young University J. Reuben Clark Law School
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The Public Service Grant program covers public interest and government employment both during the summer and term time.
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Federal Work Study funds.
California Western School of Law
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Campbell University, Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law
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Fellowships are available to incoming first year Capital University Law School students interested in pursuing a career in adoption, child welfare, and/or juvenile law upon graduation. Fellows receive high-quality educational and experiential training, as well as financial benefits, in exchange for a commitment to spend at least the first two years of their career working in a public interest position in one of these areas of law.
Academic Merit Scholarship- An annual $5,000 Academic Merit Scholarship (provided the Fellow maintains a cumulative law school GPA of 3.0 or greater)
- First-year summer: Opportunity to work as a paid student staff member of National Center for Adoption Law & Policy (NCALP)
- Second-year summer: $5,000 Stipend to help cover expenses while working full-time for a government or non-profit employer on adoption, child welfare, or juvenile law related projects Second and third academic year: Opportunity to work as a paid student staff member of NCALP
- Third academic year: Opportunity to work as a research assistant for a Law School faculty member who teaches courses related to the Children and Family Law concentration
- $1,000 Conference stipend to cover costs (travel, lodging, and conference fees) associated with attendance at an adoption/child welfare/juvenile law related conference
- Unique networking and shadowing opportunities with local alumni practicing in family law
- Ability to take advantage of our location in Ohio’s capital city through involvement with legislative and policy-related reform efforts and groups
- Conducting research for significant national amicus curiae cases
- Participation with NCALP staff members in meetings with other child welfare professionals and organizations
- Participation in developing an online child welfare/adoption journal
- Opportunity to work on family law cases through Capital’s Family Advocacy Clinic
- Opportunity to have NCALP's Academic Director supervise the Fellow’s upper class writing project (This upper class writing project is a requirement of the Law School and can be satisfied either through a class paper, independent study, or law review paper.)
http://www.law.capital.edu/NCALPFellowships/
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Case Western Reserve University Law School
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Catholic University of America School of Law
Law School Funded:
O’Brien Scholarship for First-Year Students: First-year students are invited annually to apply for this $10,000 scholarship. The recipient is selected based on essays submitted to the Office of Financial Aid. Students are notified by the Office of Admission when the application may be submitted (typically in late May or early June).
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Other Funding Source:
Chapman University School of Law
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City University of New York Law at Queens College
Law School Funded:
Scholarships With Programmatic Requirements 2007-2008
Award made to those applicants with academic credentials as well as previous accomplishments in public service.
60 inclusive of all students not just 3L’s
Grad Fellows
Award made to those applicants with academic credentials as well as previous accomplishments in public service.
60 inclusive of all students not just 3L’s
Pipeline to Justice Fellows
Awards made to students from underrepresented groups who have been participants in the pre-law Pipeline to Justice Program.
60 inclusive of all students not just 3L’s
Number of Public Interest Scholars or Fellows who Received Financial Assistance in 2007-08:60
Public interest scholarships without programmatic requirements
Dean's ScholarFinancial assistance outside of fellowships to students demonstrating strong public interest commitment.
14
Full tuition scholarship
Kyle Jewell
In conjunction with a summer fellowship to work with at risk children, students receive a scholarship that amounts to a tuition waiver.
4
Full tuition scholarship
Equity scholarship
For students interested in working in the area of educational equity
6
Full tuition scholarship
Graduate Student Funded:
None
Other Funding Source:
Project Equity - We have Project Equity, a program that gives funding ($10,000/year) to law students who are interested in addressing issues involving special education especially those faced by autistic students. Students receiving these fellowships will receive special course work and connect public interest organizations in the city that work with students in special education.
Cleveland State University, Cleveland-Marshall College of Law
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Columbia University School of Law
Law School Funded:
Tony Patino Fellowship - Awarded to entering students who have demonstrated leadership, character, academic acheivment and a commitment to public service and who intends to pursue a career in politics or government.
Graduate Student Funded:
None
Other Funding Source:
Equal Justice American usually provides four stipends of $1500 per semester per year for work in civil legal services offices.
ACLU National Office, Legal Department
One stipend of $1500 per semester to work in the legal department. The stipend is funded by a donation to the ACLU in honor of the father of the ACLU's Legal Director.
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Creighton University School of Law
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Harold Rock Scholarship Fund - Established by Harold Rock for a third year student who must be registered to work in the Legal Clinic.
Other Funding Source:
DePaul University College of Law
Law School Funded:
Public Interest Honors Scholars - The Scholars program is a program for Dean’s Merit Scholarship recipients with excellent credentials and a demonstrated commitment to the public interest. As part of the program, the College of Law guarantees the students a scholarship for public service work during the summer after their first year. The program also includes a number of special events and faculty and alumni mentors for the scholars.
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Other Funding Source:
Drake University School of Law
Law School Funded:
- Drake Law School is committed to 6 full-tuition Public Service scholarships each year (2 for students in each class, 1L, 2L, and 3L) and to 4 three-quarter tuition Public Service scholarship each year (2 for students in each of the 2L and 3L classes).
- Drake University has committed $60,000 in Federal Work Study funds for Community Service for the past several years.
- For more than a decade the Law School has funded Charles & Joseph Howard Fellowships in the Drake Legal Clinic through the earnings from the students’ work in providing representation under the Legal Clinic’s grant with the Iowa State Public Defender’s Office. Typically, these earnings have been sufficient to award two to four Fellowships; Fellowship awards are made by the Director of Clinical Programs, in consultation with the Director of the Criminal Defense Clinic. Students must have a 2.00 law school cumulative grade point average. Howard Fellows are certified under the Iowa Supreme Court Student Practice Rule. Fellows must commit to a minimum of ten weeks and 200 hours of client representation. The Fellowship provides a scholarship that covers 2 - 4 hours of Summer Tuition, approximately $2 – 4, 000.
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Since 1997, the law school has secured grant funding to support a Summer Poverty Law internship. This grant provides paid internship opportunities for Drake law students with Legal Services Corporation offices in Iowa and with local and state agencies representing children in need of assistance. Interns had full-time work (400 hr.) at $15 per hour. The internship qualifies under the Iowa Supreme Court Student Practice Rule as law school-supervised academic experiences because of faculty supervision; however, because students are paid through grant funds, the students do not receive academic credit. In addition, for more than ten years, the Law School has committed scholarship funds to support summer public interest internships. The law school authorized scholarship funding to support externships and Legal Clinic Howard Fellows internships. The externships permit work in a range of public interest programs anywhere in U.S.
Drexel University Earle Mack School of Law
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Duquesne University School of Law
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Emory University School of Law
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Faulkner University Thomas Goode Jones School of Law
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Florida A&M University College of Law
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In the past, the law school has received a Public Service Fellows Grant from the Florida Bar Foundation. The grant is provided to allow law students the opportunity to work in public service agencies.
Florida International University College of Law
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Florida State University College of Law
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Florida State University College of Law awards several scholarships each year to students interested in public interest law.
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The Denise Diaz Memorial Scholarship is awarded to an entering first year female Hispanic law student dedicated to public service.
The Beverly S. McLear Scholarship is awarded to a second year female law student wishing to practice and capable of practicing environmental law in the area of public interest.
Fordham University School of Law
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George Mason University School of Law
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George Washington University Law School
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The Law School's J.B. and Maurice C. Shapiro Public Service Fellowship Program annually provides financial aid for as many as three third-year students (and evening students who have completed at least 56 credits) who agree to work 20 hours per week at public interest organizations in the Washington, D.C. area during the school year. Awardees can receive as much as $10,000 per year in tuition remission. Awardees are also eligible to receive up to four academic credits for their work experience through the Law School's Outside Placement program. Preference is given to employers who represent, directly or indirectly, indigent individuals or populations, interests that would not otherwise be adequately represented, and environmental organizations. For more details, see http://www.law.gwu.edu/Resources/Public+Interest+and+Pro+Bono/Financial+Assistance/Third+Year+Fellowships.htm.
With the Jacob and Charlotte Lehrman Foundation Scholarship, each year a third-year student is chosen by the clinical faculty to serve as student director, performing administrative duties in connection with the Public Justice Advocacy and Civil Litigation Clinics. The student director assigns and supervises student caseloads, controls client intake, and acts as a liaison between law students and staff attorneys. The student director receives a partial scholarship.
Georgetown University Law Center
Law School Funded:
Public Interest Law Scholars Program (PILS) – The Law Center's Public Interest Law Scholars Program (PILS) is designed for law students who want to dedicate most or all of their careers to public service. The Program provides financial scholarships, enriched educational opportunities, and summer employment stipends to students committed to practice law in the public interest. For more information, see www.law.georgetown.edu/clinics/pils
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Other Funding Source:
Georgia State University College of Law
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Golden Gate University School of Law
Law School Funded:
Public interest fellowships/stipends are supported by the Public Interest Law Scholars Program, Environmental Law Scholars Program, and Public Interest Work Study.
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Public Interest Work Study: GGU pays the employer's portion of work-study for nearly all of the students in the Honors Lawyering Program, who work full-time in the fall for public interest employers who are unable to pay them. GGU also pays the employer’s portion of work-study for students working in a public interest summer internship for employers who are unable to pay them.
Public Interest Law Foundation (PILF) Grants: PILF supports students pursuing public interest summer internships through grants with money raised in an annual auction.
Gonzaga University School of Law
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Yes
Other Funding Source:
Thomas More Scholarship Program – This program provides approximately 15 students with full tuition waivers and a supportive community to enable students to realize their commitment to serving the public interest through law. Please visit the Thomas More Scholarship Program web site though www.law.gonzaga.edu.
The Gonzaga Center for Law and Justice, "The Clinic," makes work study stipends (paid at a rate of $12.00/hour)available to students who are work study qualified and who commit to a two semester sequence in the General Public Interest Practice Clinic.
Hamline University School of Law
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Other Funding Source:
Students who are eligible may work at public interest organizations being paid through Hamline's Federal work study money. Additionally, Hamline offers the following returning student scholarships in recognition of public service:
Elsie Leavitt Blackhurst Public Service Award
Justice James C. Otis Memorial public interest scholarship
http://law.hamline.edu/current_new_students/returning_student_scholarships.html
Law School Funded:
Funding is often available for our unique winter term clinical and writing projects for second and third year students. Students travel costs for the winter term are subsidized by the Office of Clinical Programs, the Human Rights Program, and the International Program. The Office of Clinical Programs has also provided travel funding for students providing pro bono service in the Gulf Coast.
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Other Funding Source:
Hofstra University School of Law
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Howard University School of Law
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Illinois Institute of Technology: Chicago-Kent College of Law
Law School Funded:
In 2004-2005, the Illinois Technology Center for Law and the Public Interest employed a number of students with grant funds, gifts from individuals, firms or corporations. The predecessor of the Center for Access to Justice and Technology, then called the Justice Web Collaboratory, employed students using the same sources.
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Other Funding Source:
Chicago-Kent offers the following public interest/ public service law-related scholarships:
The Richard A. Matasar Public Interest Law Scholarship provides tuition assistance to students planning to pursue careers in public interest law. The Law School Association, Board of Overseers and Chicago-Kent friends and alumnae established the scholarship with the goal of making public interest law an accessible career option for Chicago-Kent students.
The Ogilvie Scholarship fund was established by family, friends, and colleagues in memory of Governor Richard B. Ogilvie, a 1949 graduate of Chicago-Kent. The fund provides financial aid to Chicago-Kent College of Law students who have superior academic records, demonstrated leadership ability, and an interest in entering public service.
The Marovitz scholarship, awarded once every three years, is a full scholarship that is tied to community service.
Indiana University Maurer School of Law (Bloomington)
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Indiana University School of Law - Indianapolis
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Inter American University of Puerto Rico: Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Law
Law School Funded:
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Other Funding Source:
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Alumni Association Scholarship - Awarded to 2nd or 3rd year law students with a commitment to public service.
Other Funding Source:
Samuel T. Lawton, Jr. Memorial Scholarship - Awarded to 2nd or 3rd year law students with a commitment to public service.
John Marshall Law School – Atlanta
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Lewis & Clark College School of Law
Law School Funded:
Public Interest Law Scholarships - Please see http://www.lclark.edu/dept/lawadmss/scholarships.html
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Liberty University School of Law
Law School Funded:
None at this time.
Graduate Student Funded:
None at this time.
Other Funding Source:
None at this time.
Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center
Law School Funded:
For information, see http://students.law.lsu.edu/pils/
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Loyola Law School: Loyola Law School, Los Angeles
Law School Funded:
Public Service Corps Program, which began Winter 2002, was designed to give recent Loyola Law School graduates the opportunity to gain legal experience while awaiting Bar results. Fellows may work between 75-100 hours and will be compensated at the rate of $10.00/hour. Funding is provided by the law school.
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Loyola University Chicago: Loyola University Chicago School of Law
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Public Service Scholarships - The School has two scholarships for entering students who have a demonstrated interest in/commitment to public service. The scholarships are funded by two private donors.
Hartigan Fellowship - Awarded to a student to work in public interest law section of career resources.
Loyola University New Orleans: Loyola University New Orleans School of Law
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Marquette University Law School
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Mercer University School of Law
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Michigan State University College of Law
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Mississippi College: Mississippi College School of Law
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
None.
New England School of Law: New England School of Law
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
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New York Law School: New York Law School
Law School Funded:
Justice Action Center Carbonell Fellowship in Law and Policy: The Carbonell Fellowships rewards outstanding students for their commitment to social justice and gives them an opportunity to contribute to their field of interest. Carbonell Fellows play a central role in managing and shaping the Center, help manage the Center’s relationship with alumni and other leaders in social justice law, organize events, and work closely with the Center’s faculty and staff.
John Marshall Harlan Scholars Program: the Harlan Scholars program is a rigorous academic honors program designed for students who have performed at the top of their law school class. Harlan Scholars receive a scholarship award and are invited to affiliate with one of the Law Schools academic centers, five of which provide the opportunity to focus on public interest issues.
Barbara Levine Memorial Scholarship- This donor scholarship us awarded to a second- or third-year student of proven academic merit and demonstrated commitment to public service.
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Barbara Levine Memorial Scholarship- This donor scholarship us awarded to a second- or third-year student of proven academic merit and demonstrated commitment to public service.
New York University: New York University School of Law
Law School Funded:
InMotion- Each semester InMotion, which provides free legal services to low-income women throughout New York City, primarily in the areas of matrimonial, family and immigration law, hires an NYU Law Student to serve as the New York Women’ s Bar Association Foundation (NYWBAF) Fellow. The position requires 10-20 hours per week and is paid $1,800 for the semester.
Graduate Student Funded:
Public Interest Law Foundation (PILF) Student Grants – 10 awards at $1,000 each
Other Funding Source:
Root-Tilden-Kern Scholarship
Arthur Garfield Hays Civil Liberties Program
Guarini Government Scholars Program
BLAPA Public Service Scholarship
North Carolina Central University School of Law
Law School Funded:
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Northeastern University: Northeastern University School of Law
Law School Funded:
During the most recent fiscal year, Northeastern awarded almost $750,000 in stipend assistance to support students undertaking public interest co-ops in the United States and abroad. The money came from a variety of sources including law school budget, federal work-study, and gifts from individuals, foundations and firms. In addition, approximately $34,000 in student generated funds were used to support students doing public interest legal internships.
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Public Interest Law Scholarship Program - The Public Interest Law Scholarship covers full tuition, renewable each year as long as the scholar remains in good academic standing, as well as a $3,000 stipend for one unpaid public interest co-op. It is the most generous and prestigious scholarship offered by the law school and recipients are among our strongest students. Not only do the recipients have academic profiles that boast strong scores and grades, they also have impressive backgrounds in fields that pertain to social justice and public service. Many have worked for years in areas including human rights, immigration, social work, child advocacy, prison reform, politics and welfare reform. The scholarship is funded by major donations from law school graduates and friends. Launched in 1999 by generous donors who believed that the mission of the law school naturally led to the need for such a scholarship, the first class of scholars graduated in 2003. Public interest law scholars are expected to participate and play a leadership role in a variety of public interest activities at the law school. For those who receive the Public Interest Law Scholarship, it is required that at least two of their four required co-ops be in public interest law. Once scholars have graduated from the School of Law, it is expected that a significant portion of their careers be dedicated to public interest law.
Northern Illinois University: Northern Illinois University College of Law
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Northern Kentucky University Salmon P. Chase College of Law
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
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Northwestern University: Northwestern University School of Law
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Public Interest Law Initiative, Equal Justice America
The Public Interest Law Initiative, a nonprofit agency in Chicago that awards funding to students working in public interest positions in Chicago, offers a number of term-time stipends to students from the law schools located in Chicago. Students at Northwestern have received these stipends on various occasions. The amount of the stipend is $2,250.
Equal Justice America, a national nonprofit organization that provides funding for law students working in public interest positions, has funded a number of Northwestern students for term-time positions. The number and amounts vary from year to year.
Notre Dame: Notre Dame Law School
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Nova Southeastern University: Shepard Broad Law Center
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The Florida Bar Foundation provides an annual award to fund fellowships for approximately 10-20 students. Half of the students perform general public interest work (primarily at Legal Aid) and the other half participate in alternative dispute resolution. Students are also required to take a course and/or participate in the Pro Bono Honor Program as a pre/co-requisite.
Ohio Northern Claude W. Pettit College of Law
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Ohio State University Michael E. Moritz College of Law
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Oklahoma City University: Oklahoma City University School of Law
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Law School Funded:
John Jay Legal Services Merit Scholarship - Awarded to a number of outstanding applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to community and public service and who are unusually well prepared to assume the responsibilities of actual law practice during law school.
The Louise and Lawrence Ottinger Scholarship - This scholarship is awarded to entering students who have demonstrated a commitment to public interest law and exhibit financial need.
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Pennsylvania State University The Dickinson School of Law
Law School Funded:
The Law School has recently instituted a “Public Interest Scholars” program where select incoming students receive financial support based on the demonstrated commitment to public service.
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
The George I. Bloom Scholarship
Given by the estate of the late George I. Bloom to highly qualified students who are residents of Pennsylvania and interested in careers in local, state, or federal government service
The William H. Dodd Prize
Given to the third-year student who exemplifies the highest ideals of the legal profession
The Gornall Scholarship
Given to a student who ranks in the top 25 percent of the class at the end of the first year of study and who demonstrates a commitment to the highest ethical standards and evidences a propensity to provide meaningful service to the community in which he or she ultimately elects to practice law
The Robert J. and Mary Ellen Landy Award
Given by the Landy children in honor of their parents, Robert J., Class of 1952, and Mary Ellen, to the student who has demonstrated excellence in the areas of ethics and professional responsibility and overall devotion to the highest ideals of the legal profession
The D. Arthur Magaziner Human Services Award
Given by the family of D. Arthur Magaziner to the third-year student who has demonstrated good character, sound academic performance, high ethical standards, fidelity to the highest goals of the profession, and commitment to selfless human service
The Judge Roy Wilkinson Jr. Scholarship
Given to a student demonstrating great promise of being an effective and socially responsible lawyer
The Honorable Leroy S. Zimmerman Public Service Scholarship
Given to a student who has achieved a superior academic record and who aspires to serve as an attorney for federal, state, or local government
Pepperdine University: Odell McConnell Law Center
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Quinnipiac University School of Law
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Regent University: School of Law
Law School Funded:
None
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Roger Williams University: School of Law
Law School Funded:
Public Interest Scholars - Public Interest Scholarships are awarded to students who not only show strong academic promise but who also have shown a strong commitment to public interest work and a willingness to enter into public interest law after graduation. These scholarships are awarded at the time of admission.
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Rutgers The State University of New Jersey, Center for Law and Justice (Newark)
Law School Funded:
Kinoy/Stavis Scholarship - Awarded to the Kinoy/Stavis Fellows to support their commitment to public interest and to constitutional rights.
Marsha Wenk Scholarship - Awarded to the Marsha Wenk Fellow to provide financial support for public interest work performed during law school.
Martin Unger Scholarship - Awarded to a student with strong academic credentials, an interest in becoming a trial attorney, commitment to public service and financial need.
Philip J. Levin Scholarship - Awarded to students based on academic potential & demonstrated commitment to public service.
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Rutgers: The State University of New Jersey School of Law, Camden
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Saint John's University School of Law
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Saint Louis University: Saint Louis University School of Law
Law School Funded:
Students receiving full scholarships are required to participate in public interest activities each semester.
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Saint Mary’s University of San Antonio: St. Mary’s University of San Antonio School of Law
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Saint Thomas University: St. Thomas University School of Law (FL)
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
St. Thomas students may be eligible for:
Dan Bradley Memorial Scholarship (two awarded annually)
Florida Lawyer's Legal Insurance Corporation (IOTA) Public Services Fellows (four or five awarded annually)
Florida Bar Foundation (paid academic year fellowships in public interest offices).
Samford University: Cumberland School of Law
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Santa Clara University: Santa Clara University School of Law
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Public Interest and Social Justice Law Board - Scholarships will be awarded to entering students or those who are currently enrolled as students at Santa Clara University School of Law. Recipients will be selected according to criteria adopted by the Executive Board and the Dean’s office, including commitment to public interest activities, career objectives, law school service, academic achievement, and financial need.
Seattle University: Seattle University School of Law
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Seton Hall University: Seton Hall University School of Law
Law School Funded:
Distinguished Public Interest Scholarship – This highly selective merit-based scholarship is awarded primarily on the merits of the Distinguished Public Interest Scholar Application, dedication to public interest, LSAT scores, undergraduate academic performance, interviews, and academic promise. Distinguished Public Interest Scholars receive full tuition scholarships for their first year of study at Seton Hall Law.
The Distinguished Public Interest Scholarship is awarded as a supplement to any initial Merit Scholarship awarded. The Distinguished Public Interest Scholarships are renewable if the student maintains continuous enrollment and maintains a required GPA standard.
As a Distinguished Public Interest Scholar, students will be paired with a faculty member to act as a mentor and advisor, and will participate in networking and informational events with prominent members of the legal community. In addition, Seton Hall Law’s Public Interest Director will act as a mentor, providing recipients with information and resources about different areas of public interest practice, organizations, conferences and career fairs, job opportunities, and fellowships.
The Admissions Committee mails applications for both Distinguished Scholar Programs to selected applicants, as "invitations" to apply for these very selective scholarships.
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
South Texas College: South Texas College of Law
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Southern Illinois University School of Law
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Southern University Law Center
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Southwestern University: Southwestern Law School
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Southwestern awards several Silbert Public Interest Fellowships each year. This Fellowship Program permits students who are selected as Silbert Public Interest Fellows to receive grants that enable them to work and gain legal experience at non-profit public interest organizations. Southwestern also offers a Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Issues (GLBT) Fellowship that funds students to work in a legal setting that serves the GLBT population.
Yanase Scholarship - Memorial Scholarship for evening students interested in public interest and government work.
Irwin Bloom Scholarship- Memorial Scholarship for students interested in public interest and government work.
Douglas Salem Scholarship - Memorial Scholarship for students interested in public interest law.
Dino Hirsch Scholarship - Memorial Scholarship for students interested in public interest law.
Law School Funded:
The Law School administers scholarships that support students committed to public service. We also name as Public Interest Fellows those third-year students who have a history of public service, provide leadership within the law school, and are committed to careers as lawyers in the public service. Fellows serve a variety of roles within the law school—they mentor first-year students, provide policy direction for the Center and the law school, have direct access to the law school administration regarding myriad issues related to public interest, and engage in direct programming with the assistance of the Center director and staff. Fellows receive exclusive access to co-curricular workshops and other special benefits, but do not receive any financial compensation.
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Stetson University: Stetson University College of Law
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
The Public Service Fellow are students from varying backgrounds interested in participating and promoting public service law. Fellows receive a semester fellowship for a portion of their tuition. This Florida Bar Foundation sponsored program requires each fellow to work a minimum of 120 hours per semester in the public interest realm. Public Service Fellows projects span a variety of activities, including Street Law at local high schools; Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program; Courthouse projects; and the Guardian ad Litem Program. Students are selected by an application process, based on several criteria including prior public service.
The Public Service Fellows Program is funded through the Florida Bar’s IOLTA Program. Usually 6-10 students receive awards, although this varies depending on the amount of funding received.
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Byrne Scholarship– Awarded based on financial need, distinguished academic performance, and expressed desire to perform public service.
Other Funding Source:
www.law.suffolk.edu/offices/career/fellowships/fellowships.cfm
Syracuse University: College of Law
Law School Funded:
Criminal Justice Teaching Fellowship – A joint venture between the New York State office of the Attorney General, the Syracuse City School District and the College of Law to support Youth Courts and the “Students against violence initiative” (SAVI) program. CJT Fellows perform tasks necessary to operate the Student Courts in four Syracuse District High Schools. In addition, Fellows are responsible for organizing regular meetings to discuss problems with violence and abuse in their schools with the aim of the students planning strategies to address those problems. Fellowships are only available in the law student’s third year.
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Syracuse University Graduate Schools: Syracuse University College of Law students are eligible for several scholarships made available through Syracuse University where public service is a criterion. Such scholarships include the George C. McCrillis Scholarship and the Emil and Maud Beck Family Scholarship. College of Law students have been awarded these scholarships in the past.
Temple University: James E. Beasley School of Law
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Public Interest Scholars - Established to recognize the generous gift to the law schcool by Temple alumnus Leonard Rubin, '49, these scholarships are awarded to incoming students who have a astrong commitment to public interest work, exhibit leadership potential, and intend to pursue careers in public interest law.
John W. Walter Scholarship for Public Interest Internships - The scholarship awards grants to students who are working in public interest positions and who exhibit Mr. Walter's commitment to serving indigent clients.
The Donald R. Price Scholarship Fund - This fund provides financial support to a second-year day or third year evening student with a demonstrated interest in public interest or pro bono work to pursue such work during the summer.
Daniel J. Schrull '35 and Frances G. Schrull Scholarship Fund - This fund provides financial aid to students, preferably from Pennsylvania, who demonstrate need and an interest in public service law.
Other Funding Source:
Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Texas Tech University School of Law
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Texas Wesleyan University School of Law
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Thomas Jefferson School of Law: Thomas Jefferson School of Law
Law School Funded:
The Law School provides matching grants to student-funded fellowships.
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Students raise funds to support students working in summer public interest jobs; the amount awarded varies based on fund-raising efforts. See - http://www.dsl.psu.edu/groups/pilf.cfm
Law School Funded:
Honors Scholarship
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Touro College: Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Tulane University: Tulane University School of Law
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
University at Buffalo Law School, SUNY
Law School Funded:
The Law School funds one year-long Graduate Assistantship for Public Interest that includes a tuition waiver and stipend ($10,000).
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
University of Akron: C. Blake McDowell Law Center
Law School Funded:
Semester long Public Interest Fellowships
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
- Student Bar Association (SBA) Auction
- Samuel Willis Reece Foundation
- Malkin-Koosed Public Interest Fellowship
The foregoing sources fund the PIFP, which provide stipends for students working in public interest placements. These sources together historically generate in excess of $30,000 per year.
During the 2008 - 2009 academic year (fall, spring & summer), the PIFP awarded twenty seven (27) stipends to individuals working in public interest related work. The total of the awards was $32,468. During the 2009 - 2010 academic year (fall, spring & summer) the PIFP awarded twenty three (23) awards totaling $27,913.
University of Alabama: University of Alabama School of Law
Law School Funded:
Public Interest Summer Grants
Public Interest Scholarships
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Perry Rogers Scholarship - Full tuition 3-year scholarship, awarded each year up to 8 incoming students. In 2004-05, 3 students with strong public interest backgrounds received scholarships.
Other Funding Source:
University of Arkansas at Little Rock: William H. Bowen School of Law
Law School Funded:
None.
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
University of Arkansas School of Law
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
University of Baltimore School of Law
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
University of California - Irvine School of Law
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
University of California - Los Angeles
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
University of California at Davis: University of California at Davis School of Law
Law School Funded:
Stephanie J. Blank Memorial Scholarship
The scholarship is awarded annually to a student who demonstrates a strong commitment to public interest work and who is making satisfactory academic progress.
Maggie Schelen Public Service Scholarship
The Schelen Scholarship is awarded to one student annually who demonstrates strong commitment to public interest work and who is making satisfactory academic progress. The student receives approximately $500.
Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship
Each year two scholarships are awarded to entering first year students who exemplify the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr.'s efforts to achieve social and political justice for the disadvantaged.
John F. Cheadle Memorial Scholarship
The scholarship is awarded annually to one student who demonstrates a strong commitment to public interest work and who is making satisfactory academic progress.
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
University of California, Berkeley: University of California, Berkeley, School of Law
Law School Funded:
The School of Law awards numerous scholarships. For more information, please visit: http://www.law.berkeley.edu/191.htm
Graduate Student Funded:
The Berkeley Law Foundation offers the Phoenix Fellowships for diversity and public interest law.
Other Funding Source:
There are a number of supplemental scholarships, beyond the need-based awards, available to help Berkeley Law students pay for their legal education. These financial aid options are provided by a number of sources, including the law school itself, the University of California, the U.S. government, and private organizations and agencies. For more information, visit the Financial Aid Office website: http://www.law.berkeley.edu/58.htm
University of California-Hastings College of the Law
Law School Funded:
Numerous Scholarships including the Tony Patino scholarship
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Tony Patino scholarship
University of Chicago: University of Chicago Law School
Law School Funded:
None.
Graduate Student Funded:
None.
Other Funding Source:
None.
University of Cincinnati: University of Cincinnati College of Law
Law School Funded:
None.
Graduate Student Funded:
None.
Other Funding Source:
Ohio Innocence Project
Childrens Law Center
White Fellowship
University of Colorado: School of Law
Law School Funded:
Dan Barash Scholarship - This scholarship was established in memory of Dan Barash ('02) by his parents, Norma & Paul Barash. This scholarship is awarded to a student who has participated in, or is participating in, a criminal clinic and intends to work for the Colorado Public defender or another indigent defense services provider.
Class of 1994 Seumsap Ly Memorial Scholarship - This scholarship was established by Seumsap's friends, family, and classmates to commemorate his life and recognize his personal, professional, and academic achievements. The recipient is a student who demonstrates a concern for Hmong or Asian issues and who has demonstrated service in the Asian community.
Davis Graham & Stubbs Scholarship - This scholarship is awarded to second-or third-year students who demonstrate high academic achievement, a commitment to the improvement of the legal profession, and enlargement of their contributions to the public interest.
Gene R. Nichol Scholarship - This scholarship was established by the lawyer William R. 'Bill' Daniels who was Chairman of Daniels Communication, Inc. Mr. Daniels was an active civil leader in Denver and nationally, and was a benefactor to higher education. Because of his long-time admiration of Gene Nichol, former professor and Dean of the law school, Bill established this scholarship to recognize students with strong financial need and a commitment to public service.
William E. and Maxine Rentfro Law Diversity Scholarship - This was established by Professor Emeritus William Rentfro and his wife Maxine, and is awarded to a student with financial need and to assist in the achievement of a diverse student body. The scholarship is given to a student who is committed to protecting and preserving human and civil rights and assisting those seeking full participation in the American dream.
Brian Shaha Scholarship - This scholarship is awarded to a student with a desire to work to provide legal services to indigent people upon graduation.
Graduate Student Funded:
None.
Other Funding Source:
Davis Graham & Stubbs Scholarship - Awarded to students who demonstrate high academic achievement and a commitment to the improvement of the legal profession and enlargement of its contributions to the public interest.
Gene R. Nichol Public Interest Scholarship
William E. and Maxine Rentfro Law diversity Scholarship - Awarded to a student who is committed to protecting and preserving human and civil rights and assisting those seeking full participation in the American dream.
University of Connecticut: University of Connecticut School of Law
Law School Funded:
None.
Graduate Student Funded:
None.
Other Funding Source:
None.
University of Dayton: University of Dayton School of Law
Law School Funded:
The School offers 10-15 $1,000-1,500 scholarship annually for community involvement. For more information, contact Janet Hines, Director of Admissions at 937/229-3555. The amounts and number of scholarships awarded vary, depending on funds earmarked in the school budget.
Social Justice Scholarship - Eligibility for Social Justice Scholarship Consideration is limited to current first and second-year law students who are in good academic standing at the School of Law. Candidates should have a demonstrated record of commitment to public service/pro bono work and/or an expressed intention to undertake such work during the coming summer and possibly upon graduation. While it is not possible to provide an exhaustive list of the types of public service and pro bono work that would qualify a student for consideration of the Social Justice Awards, the following may be suggestive: Legal Aid and public defender offices; youth and family service organizations; or various nonprofit organizations (e.g., civil rights-civil liberties groups; religious organizations; environmental groups).
Graduate Student Funded:
None.
Other Funding Source:
See http://law.slu.edu/organizations/pilg/fellowship.html
University of Denver: Sturm College of Law
Law School Funded:
Chancellor's Scholarship - The Chancellor's Scholarship program has for the last ten years provided up to 12 full tuition scholarships/year for students with superior academic and public service backgrounds, who make a commitment to using their law degree to advance public interest. Chancellor's Scholars are some of our most active students, and they provide public service as part of their scholarships.
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Federal Work Study Public Interest Jobs
University of Detroit Mercy School of Law
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
University of Florida: Fredric G. Levin College of Law
Law School Funded:
None.
Graduate Student Funded:
None.
Other Funding Source:
The Florida Bar Foundation funds fellowships.
The Center for Governmental Responsibility awards approximately five to ten Public Service Law Fellowship (depending on funding).
University of Georgia School of Law
Law School Funded:
None
Graduate Student Funded:
None
Other Funding Source:
None
University of Hawaii William S. Richardson School of Law
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
University of Houston Law Center
Law School Funded:
Crowther Scholarship - Awarded to a student pursuing a career in public interest.
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Our generous friends and alumni fund:
Crowther Scholarship - Awarded to a student pursuing a career in public interest
University of Idaho: College of Law
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
University of Illinois College of Law
Law School Funded:
None
Graduate Student Funded:
None
Other Funding Source:
The Bushong student award, a memorial fund created by Larry Travis Bushong, a 1983 College of Law graduate, and friends, is a writing competition wherein College of Law students will compete for a scholarship based on a written article or other paper dedicated to presenting topics relating to gay and lesbian legal rights issues.
University of Iowa College of Law
Law School Funded:
Iowa Law Foundation Public Interest Law Grant
The Iowa Law Foundation Board, at the recommendation of students and faculty, agreed that $20,000 of annual spendable earnings from non restricted endowed scholarship accounts be awarded in the form of grants to 3-5 third year students. The recipients must have demonstrated a commitment to pursing public interest work and have substantial indebtedness from student loans. If a recipient of this grant does not procure employment in public interest work their grant converts to a loan under the same terms of the ILSFL program. Recipients are selected by a committee of faculty and staff.
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
University of Kansas: School of Law
Law School Funded:
Two endowed, named law school scholarships, the Karen Nordheden and Michael J. Hoeflich Scholarship Fund and Hon. Kay Royce Scholarship Fund are examples of scholarship support provided to students with proven interest in public interest careers. The expendable Suzanne Valdez and Stephen McAllister Scholarshipalso has a service component.
Graduate Student Funded:
None
Other Funding Source:
The Kansas Bar Association awards an annual scholarship to students of promise in this area, as does the Rice Foundation, which provides significant scholarships funds for law students. Careers for the Common Good provides awards to participating students who complete 300 service hours. The Wal-Mart Diversity Scholarships also provide support to students with a strong service record
.
University of Kentucky College of Law
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
The College of Law has received grants from the United States Department of Justice for the Rural Drug Prosecution Assistance Project (“RDPAP”). The purpose of the RDPAP is to enhance the ability of the criminal justice system in the rural parts of Kentucky to prosecute, defend, and adjudicate the increased volume of drug and drug-related crimes, by placing UK Law students and graduates as interns and employees with Commonwealth's Attorneys, Public Defenders and Circuit Court judges. Students employed through this program as public defenders would be working for the benefit of indigent defendants.
University of Louisville: Louis D. Brandeis School of Law
Law School Funded:
None.
Graduate Student Funded:
None.
Other Funding Source:
None.
University of Maine School of Law
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
University of Maryland: University of Maryland School of Law
Law School Funded:
http://www.law.umaryland.edu/prospective/applying/financialaid.html
http://www.law.umaryland.edu/about/departments/admissions/
http://www.law.umaryland.edu/about/departments/osa/
Graduate Student Funded:
For graduates interested in possible partnerships, please contact the Clinical Law Program or the Director, Pro Bono & Public Service Initiatives
Other Funding Source:
http://www.law.umaryland.edu/prospective/applying/financialaid.html
http://www.law.umaryland.edu/about/departments/admissions/
http://www.law.umaryland.edu/about/departments/osa/
University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
University of Miami School of Law
Law School Funded:
HOPE Fellowship Program: All continuing students are eligible to apply for a $5,000 HOPE Fellowships for the Summer. Fellows are required to commit a minimum of 320 hours of service at a public interest agency/organization. Students must submit a proposal for a public interest placement, identify a unique project and demonstrate a commitment to public interest. Students secure positions worldwide and become part of the Public Interest Leadership Board (PILB), responsible for programming, education and advocacy in the subsequent school year.
The Miami Scholars Program targets candidates from across the United States who, in addition to excellent academic achievement and strong scores on the LSAT, have a demonstrated interest in public service. Miami Scholars serve on the Public Interest Leadership Board and play a key role in advancing public interest programming and opportunities at the School of Law. Each Miami Scholar is awarded an annual $25,000 Law School tuition scholarship provided a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or better is maintained. Miami Scholars are guaranteed funding for a public interest summer position or a partial tuition scholarship for one summer of enrollment in either one of our summer abroad programs or on-campus summer session.
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
The School of Law and the HOPE Public Interest Resource Center work with law students to identify funded opportunities in the public sector. Private funding, grants and federal work-study (where applicable) are explored.
University of Michigan: University of Michigan Law School
Law School Funded:
None.
Graduate Student Funded:
None.
Other Funding Source:
None.
University of Minnesota: University of Minnesota Law School
Law School Funded:
Students planning on pursuing public interest careers do have preference for some of the scholarships awarded to incoming 1Ls.
Graduate Student Funded:
None.
Other Funding Source:
None.
University of Mississippi School of Law
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
University of Missouri - Columbia: School of Law
Law School Funded:
None.
Graduate Student Funded:
None.
Other Funding Source:
None.
University of Missouri Kansas City University of Missouri Kansas City School of Law
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
University of Montana: University of Montana School of Law
Law School Funded:
None
Graduate Student Funded:
None
Other Funding Source:
None
University of Nebraska: University of Nebraska College of Law
Law School Funded:
None.
Graduate Student Funded:
None.
Other Funding Source:
None.
University of Nevada, Las Vegas: William S. Boyd School of Law
Law School Funded:
Community Free Legal Education Service Program Scholarships – annually three students receive $1,000 scholarships for outstanding service in the program. One student is chosen as the student who contributed the most to the program and community. That student receives a one-half tuition scholarship.
Community Service Scholarships – Several $2,500 scholarships are awarded to students who show a commitment to community service.
Graduate Student Funded:
None.
Other Funding Source:
None.
University of New Hampshire School of Law
Law School Funded:
UNH School of Law Funded Tuition Scholarships:
UNH School of Law awards financial scholarships to law students demonstrating a deep commitment to public service. These school-funded scholarships help reduce the overall cost of tuition.
Bruce E. Friedman Scholarship
The Bruce E. Friedman Scholarship is a memorial endowment fund to honor a UNH School of Law professor and founder and director of the UNH School of Law Civil Practice Clinic. The Fund annually supports a scholarship to one or more current UNH law students who emulate and reflect moral and intellectual commitment to social justice and demonstrate a commitment to public interest law by preparing for a career that advances social justice through course work—combining legal knowledge with practical skills, project development, and exposure to practice models for the delivery of legal services.
The Robert M. Viles Public Interest Scholarship
Established to honor past president and long-time Dean of UNH School of Law, the Robert M. Viles Public Interest Scholarship provides full tuition plus a $10,000 stipend to a full-time first- year student at UNH School of Law who resides in the First Judicial Circuit. The law student recipient must have an interest in pursuing a career in community lawyering and have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and a 154 LSAT score. Practical experience working in the public sector is valued as a strong asset.
Winnie McLaughlin Scholarship Fund
Created to reward female law students demonstrating both community service focused on advancing women in society and solid academic achievement, the Winnie McLaughlin Scholarship Fund is a collaborative effort between the New Hampshire Women’s Bar Association and the University of New Hampshire School of Law. The scholarship is awarded annually to a “rising” second year UNH law student.
The Doris Monroe Rapee Memorial Scholarship
The Doris Rapee Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to a woman in the second or third year class at UNH School of Law who intends to pursue a career in the public sector. Preference is given to those students interested in government service on a local, state or federal level. Candidates are reviewed on the basis of (1) demonstrated commitment to public service, (2) her plans for a career in the public and government sector, and (3) her financial need.
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
We have students working at places such as the NH Attorney General's office, Legal Advice and Referral Center, and the NH Civil Rights Commission.
University of New Mexico School of Law
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
University of North Carolina: University of North Carolina School of Law
Law School Funded:
The Daniel Pollitt Fellowship awards one student each school year a scholarship to work part-time at the ACLU of North Carolina.
The J. Russell Kirby Public Service Scholarship
The Trey Cheek Memorial Public Interest Scholarship
Graduate Student Funded:
None.
Other Funding Source:
None.
University of North Dakota School of Law
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
University of Oklahoma College of Law
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
University of Oregon: University of Oregon School of Law
Law School Funded:
None.
Graduate Student Funded:
None.
Other Funding Source:
Funds are offered through the Federal Work Study Program.
University of Pennsylvania: University of Pennsylvania Law School
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
University of Pittsburgh: School of Law
Law School Funded:
The Law School offers up to four partial tuition scholarships ($10,000-$16,000) for incoming students pursuing public interest careers. These scholarships are renewable for all 3 years of law school. Additionally, the Law School’s Center for International Legal Education (CILE) offers fellowships for students pursuing study, research or internships abroad.
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
U.S. Schweitzer Fellowship Program – Pitt Law students have participated in the Pittsburgh Schweitzer Fellows Program, which is designed to support students in providing direct service that addresses the health needs of underserved individuals and communities. The Schweitzer Fellows receive an annual stipend of $2,000.
University of Puerto Rico School of Law
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
University of Richmond T. C. Williams School of Law
Law School Funded:
The University of Richmond School of Law does not have any term time fellowships at this time.
Graduate Student Funded:
The University of Richmond School of Law does not have any term time fellowships at this time.
Other Funding Source:
The University of Richmond School of Law does not have any term time fellowships at this time.
University of Saint Thomas: School of Law (MN)
Law School Funded:
John R. Roach Fellowship - We look at the applicants past experiences and commitments for evidence that the applicant has dedicated his/her life to serving the community. NOTE: The number of scholarships varies from year to year (it has been 2 some years and 3 other years) as does the percentage of tuition covered, which has been between 25-50%. The Roach Fellows agree to work for 3 years in qualifying public interest employment. Qualifying employment for the Roach Fellowship is the same as for UST LRAP (which is described elsewhere in the survey). See: www.stthomas.edu/law/financing/roachfellowship.asp
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
University of San Diego School of Law
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
University of San Francisco School of Law
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Numerous scholarships. Details can be found on the law school’s website: http://www.law.usfca.edu/financialaid/jd/scholarships.html
University of South Carolina: University of South Carolina School of Law
Law School Funded:
None.
Graduate Student Funded:
None.
Other Funding Source:
A $1,000 fellowship is annually distributed to a deserving, rising 3L.
University of South Dakota School of Law
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
University of Southern California Gould School of Law
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
None.
Other Funding Source:
None.
University of Tennessee College of Law
Law School Funded:
Kolwyck Equal Access to Justice Term-time Fellowships
In recent years income from the Kolwyck Fund has been sufficient to provide term-time fellowships for two law students each semester, one assigned to Legal Aid of East Tennessee in Knoxville and one assigned to Legal Aid of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands in nearby Oak Ridge. These fellowships have helped the law school deepen its relationships with these programs, both important service providers for low-income people in the community and important sources of employment for graduates of the College who want to practice poverty law in Tennessee.
In-house Pro Bono & Public Service Fellow
The College has funds to provide two fellowships per semester for law students assigned to the Pro Bono and Public Interest Law Committee. These students have worked on a variety of tasks, including promotion of public interest programming, development of career-related materials, surveying alumni, and working to create a calendar that captures public interest career opportunities and deadlines. These fellowships provide a semester stipend of up to $750 per student (for a total of $750 x 4, or $3,000 per year) with an expectation that the recipient will work at least 75 hours over the course of the semester.
Graduate Student Funded:
None
Other Funding Source:
None
University of Texas at Austin School of Law
Law School Funded:
Baron & Budd Scholarships in Public Interest Law -Supports students to do pro bono work for at least 300 hours during the academic year for a non-profit public interest organization in central Texas. This program provided funding for 6 students in 2008-2009 and 4 students in 2009-2010.
Chris Marshall Endowed Presidential Scholarship - Supports students interested in public interest careers in Texas.
Equal Justice Scholarship – Provides full tuition and fees for three years to an entering student with strong academic credentials, demonstrated commitment to public service, and a specific intent to serve low-income individuals or groups following graduation. The scholarship recipient must commit to working after law school on a full-time basis for three years providing direct legal services to low-income individuals or groups at a non-profit organization in the United States.
Human Rights Scholars Program – The Bernard and Audre Rapoport Center for Human Rights and Justice sponsors scholarships for students interested in working in and studying human rights. This program provided funding for 3 students in 2008-2009 and 3 students in 2009-2010.
Lois Donaldson Endowed Presidential Scholarship - Supp
orts students interested in public service careers.Public Service Scholars Program – The William Wayne Justice Center for Public Interest Law sponsors scholarships to support public service-oriented students. This program provided funding for 5 students in 2008-2009 and 5 students in 2009-2010.
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law
Law School Funded:
Legal Scholar Awards - Potential to be a legal scholar or an attorney who will use the law as a tool for social justice in the public interest
Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation Joseph L Rauh Scholarships - Full DC resident tuition for entering student with the most extensive community service record and full DC resident tuition for the third-year student who received the top grade in her/his second-year clinic.
Mason Civil Rights Scholars - www.law.udc.edu/prospective/finaid_scholarships.html
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law
Law School Funded:
Pacific McGeorge offers a substantial number of scholarships in conjunction with the generosity of alumni and donors.
Additionally, The Pacific McGeorge Public Legal Services Society and Equal Justice Works offers three students grants to travel to Washington, D.C. in the fall in order to participate in the Equal Justice Works public service conference.
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
A number of outside funding sources are available each semester to Pacific McGeorge students. Civic, trade, cultural, religious, community groups make opportunities known through Pacific McGeorge’s Financial Aid Office.
University of Toledo: College of Law
Law School Funded:
None.
Graduate Student Funded:
None.
Other Funding Source:
The Reinberger Foundation Honors Prosecutorial Summer Program offers significant financial stipends to outstanding students who work in prosecutor offices throughout the country during the summer.
The Joel A. and Shirley A. Levine Fellowship in Alternative Dispute Resolution provides students with an opportunity to explore the world of Alternative Dispute Resolution through a direct placement in this emergent field.
University of Tulsa: College of Law
Law School Funded:
None.
Graduate Student Funded:
None.
Other Funding Source:
None.
University of Utah College of Law
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
University of Virginia School of Law
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
University of Washington: University of Washington School of Law
Law School Funded:
The Gates Public Service Law Program provides full tuition, room and board and costs to 5 incoming students to the School of Law each year. The students make a commitment to practice public service law for a minimum of five years post graduation. http://www.law.washington.edu/GatesScholar/
Graduate Student Funded:
None
Other Funding Source:
None
University of Wisconsin: Law School
Law School Funded:
None.
Graduate Student Funded:
None.
Other Funding Source:
PILF (Public Interest Law Foundation).
University of Wyoming School of Law
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Valparaiso University: Valparaiso University School of Law
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Vanderbilt University Law School
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Villanova University: Villanova University School of Law
Law School Funded:
Villanova University School of Law encourages students to pursue careers in public interest law. To facilitate such careers, VUSL has created the Public Interest Scholars Program. Each year, several students are offered a 50% tuition-waiver scholarship based on their past academic achievement, leadership, public interest work and commitment to contribute to public interest endeavors as future practitioners.
Scholars will receive a 50% tuition-waiver scholarship, will be assigned to a professor and a public interest mentor as advisors, and will receive career counseling from the Director of Public Service Careers and Pro Bono Programs. Scholars are required to perform 100 hours of pro bono service while in law school; to participate in one clinical course and either a second clinical course or a non-judicial externship for credit; to satisfy the law school's research paper writing requirement by writing on a public interest topic; and to work in a legal capacity for a public interest organization for at least one of his or her two summers at Villanova. Upon graduation, Scholars will be obligated to engage in at least three years of public interest legal employment within their first five years of post-law school employment. Students interested in the Public Interest Scholars Program should review our website materials: http://www.law.villanova.edu/admissions/publicinterestscholarsprogapp/default.asp.
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Wake Forest University School of Law
Law School Funded:
Public Interest Research Fellowships (Community Law & Business Clinic)
Graduate Student Funded:
None.
Other Funding Source:
None.
Washburn University School of Law
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Washington and Lee University: School of Law
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
- Legal Aid
- US Attorney's Office
- Judicial Clerkship Program
Washington University: Washington University School of Law
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
The Webster Society, named in honor of our distinguished alumnus, William H. Webster, JD '49, is a three-year scholarship program for students committed to public service. Webster Society Scholars are selected because of their outstanding credentials and their demonstrated commitment to public service. Each scholar receives a yearly full-tuition scholarship and a $5000 stipend.
Other Funding Source:
Wayne State University Law School
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
The Law School has exchange programs with the University of Maastricht in the Netherlands and Warwick University in England. Students selected for these programs pay tuition at Wayne State.
Other Funding Source:
West Virginia University College of Law
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Western New England College: School of Law
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Western State University College of Law
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Whittier Law School: Whittier Law School
Law School Funded:
Whittier Public Interest Law Foundation Scholarship Program - already demonstrated commitment to WPILF activities and a public interest career
Center for Children's Rights - acceptance and enrollment in Center for Children's Rights Program
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Widener University School of Law--Delaware Campus
Law School Funded:
Students who qualify for work study may be paid throughout the school year for working in public interest externships, as long as they are not receiving academic credit.
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Willamette University: Willamette University College of Law
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
William and Mary School of Law
Law School Funded:
Several endowed scholarships are awarded based, in part, on students’ commitment to public service. William & Mary law students also participate in the "America Reads Challenge," which provides paid reading tutors for preschool and elementary students.
Graduate Student Funded:
None
Other Funding Source:
None
William Mitchell College of Law: William Mitchell College of Law
Law School Funded:
Mitchell manages a portion of its federal work-study allocation to include off-campus jobs with non-profit organizations and governmental agencies. The Public Health Law Center located at William Mitchell also employs law students as research assistants.
Graduate Student Funded:
None listed.
Other Funding Source:
Dayton-Hanson Elder law Scholarship – students enrolled at William Mitchell who demonstrate a commitment to elder law as shown through elder law and policy courses, public service, and scholarly research relating to elder law. Preference is given to 3rd and 4th year students.
James R. and Mary W. Frey Scholarship- first-year William Mitchell students who have a physical disability and demonstrate financial need, with preference going to students who have a future interest in public service. The donors request that preference be given to students with mobility impairments.
Professor Melvin Goldberg Scholarship- student who has completed the first or second year of law school in good academic standing and with an interest in a career in public interest law; preference is given to a student with an interest and experience in working to preserve the rights of underrepresented people. Dean of students in consultation with Paula Goldberg or her designees determined the recipient.
Ronald E. and Alverna L. Hachey Scholarship – second-year student with financial need, showing academic promise and an interest in a public service career. Other considerations being equal, with a preference for a qualified minority student.
Chief Justice Peter S. Popovich Scholarship - two students, who are residing in Minnesota, working full-time, attending law school in the part-time program, needing financial aid, and evidencing a strong commitment to community and public service.
David J. Prince Public Service Scholarship - all 3rd and 4th year students enrolled at William Mitchell. Students must be in good standing and show a commitment to pursuing public service following their graduation. This commitment will include demonstrated previous experience in public, either before or during law school, and a commitment to work in underserved communities. The scholarship may be renewed in subsequent years and may be combined with other scholarship awards.
Nicholas V. Schaps, Jr. Memorial Scholarship - third or fourth year student who demonstrates a commitment to volunteerism and community service; with a minimum grade point average of 2.8 and with preference given to a student with demonstrated financial need.
Deborah A. Schmedemann Scholarship - all students admitted to or enrolled at WMCL who are in good academic standing. The scholarship may be renewed for the student(s) in subsequent years and may be combined with other scholarship awards.
Susanne C. Sedgwick Scholarship– female part-time student with dependent children who has completed one year of law school and has an interest in public service; recipient must be in good academic standing and have financial need.
Michael J. Steenson Scholarship - preference is given to returning students in good academic standing who have financial need and demonstrate an interest in public service after law school. Additional preference is given to part-time students who are working. Scholarship may be renewed in subsequent years.
Jonathon Weitzman Leadership Award - returning students who demonstrate leadership and community involvement with preference given to those applying their legal education to serve underrepresented communities.
Yale University: Yale Law School
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
Yeshiva University: Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
Law School Funded:
Public Service Scholars. During the admission process, the law school identifies and provides three-year scholarships for up to twenty in-coming students per year who demonstrate a commitment to public service and a high level of academic achievement.
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Source:
