Public Interest Law Initiative logo

Law Student Internship Program

Public Interest Law Initiative

Funding Amount

$2,500 per semester

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Law Student Internship Program

Geographic Scope: Illinois (Chicago area)

Program Description: PILI's Law Student Internship Program places law students in paid internship positions at public interest law agencies throughout Illinois.

Award Details:

  • Fall 2014: $17,500 in grants distributed to seven Participating Agencies

  • Summer 2014: Polk Bros. Foundation renewal grant of $50,000 covering stipends for 9 summer interns

  • Individual Stipend: $2,500 per semester for 200 hours of work

  • Funding Covers: Intern stipends, summer educational seminars, networking and mentoring components
  • Participating Agencies (examples):

  • Coordinated Advice Referral Program for Legal Services (CARPLS)

  • Center for Disability & Elder Law

  • Chicago Legal Clinic, Inc.

  • Chicago Volunteer Legal Services

  • Equip for Equality

  • LAF Chicago

  • National Immigrant Justice Center

  • AIDS Legal Council of Chicago

  • Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law

  • Legal Assistance Foundation of Chicago
  • Eligibility:

  • Law students (1Ls and 2Ls)

  • Chicago-area law schools
  • Focus Areas: Public interest law across various practice areas including family law, disability law, immigration, elder law, and more

    Contact Information:

  • Phone: 312-832-5127

  • Email: info@pili.org

  • Address: 105 West Madison Street, Suite 610, Chicago, IL 60602
  • How to Apply

    Application Process

    1. Access the Online Application System
    - Applications submitted through PILI's online application portal
    - Available as of August 1st for fall semester positions
    - Rolling basis for summer positions

    2. Timeline
    - For 2Ls (Summer): Applications open October 15th, accepted on rolling basis until agencies complete hiring (usually by March)
    - For 1Ls (Summer): Applications open December 1st
    - For Fall Semester: Applications open August 1st

    3. Application Strategy
    - Early application encouraged as hiring decisions vary by agency
    - Some agencies make decisions early; others wait until later in application period
    - Apply early to ensure fullest consideration

    4. Work Requirement
    - Fall Semester: 200 hours of work
    - Summer positions: Standard internship duration

    5. Contact for More Information
    - Katie Pieper, Education & Outreach Manager (for Alumni Network inquiries)
    - General inquiries: info@pili.org or 312-832-5127

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    workforce-development

    Categories

    Browse similar grants by category

    Related Grants

    Similar grants from this funder and related organizations

    Ready to apply for Law Student Internship Program?

    Grantable helps you assess fit, draft narratives, and track deadlines — so you can submit stronger applications, faster.