1L Public Interest Law Fellows
Each year, the Center for Public Interest Law selects a small group of incoming 1L students to receive Public Interest Law Fellowships. These fellowships recognize students with a demonstrated commitment to public interest work and a strong record of academic achievement and service.
Fellows receive a $6,500 stipend to support a full-time, 10-week summer internship with a public interest organization following their first year of law school. Throughout the year, they meet regularly with Center staff, engage with practicing attorneys, attend public interest law luncheons, and participate in service opportunities through the
Pro Bono & Community Service Initiative (PBCSI). These experiences help Fellows deepen their understanding of public interest law and build a strong professional network.
Fellows are selected based on the following criteria:
- Demonstrated interest in and commitment to public interest law
- Academic achievement
- Volunteer and community service
To apply, incoming 1L students should submit the following materials:
- Resume
- Undergraduate transcript (unofficial is acceptable)
- Two-page statement explaining how you meet the criteria above
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Please email your application to Center for Public Interest Law Executive Director
Shaye Loughlin and include “DePaul 1L Public Interest Law Fellowship Application” in the subject line.
Summer Scholarships
CPIL administers the following summer funding opportunities for students through a unified application process during the beginning of the Spring semester:
Established by the family of Helen M. Cirese, this summer scholarship supports a student pursuing public interest law who demonstrates high academic achievement and a strong commitment to public service, particularly on issues affecting women.
Funded by a foundation dedicated to social service, youth and education, these fellowships are awarded to students working at a public interest agency during the summer after their first year of law school.
This fellowship honors the legacy of Justice Lawrence X. Pusateri (JD '53) and is dedicated to supporting public service work by DePaul Law students.
Awarded in collaboration with DePaul’s Division of Mission & Ministry, these fellowships support students committed to public interest work and to learning about the life and legacy of St. Vincent de Paul. Recipients must work with nonprofit organizations.
Created to honor Daniel P. Coman, this scholarship is awarded to a student who demonstrates both academic excellence and a strong dedication to public service.
DePaul’s student-run PILA leads a crowdfunding campaign annually to fund summer scholarships for students working at nonprofit legal organizations.
For information about how to apply for a summer scholarship, contact CPIL Executive Director Shaye Loughlin.
Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP)
DePaul Law’s Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) was designed to help public interest alumni who are committed to public interest jobs with salaries that are generally lower than those in the private sector. Student loan obligations can be especially burdensome for those pursuing nonprofit careers. LRAP eases these financial pressures, enabling more graduates to enter and remain in the public interest field.
LRAP is a loan forgiveness program funded by student fees and private donations. Awards are distributed as forgivable loans and must be used to repay law school educational debt. Recipients who meet all program requirements have their loans forgiven at the end of the loan term.
Who Is Eligible?
DePaul Law alumni working in law-related public interest positions are eligible to apply.
To qualify and remain eligible for LRAP, applicants must:
- Earn a total annual salary of less than $75,000
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to public interest work
- Show significant financial need
Priority is given to applicants who advance access to the justice system by serving low-income or underserved populations, and recipients are selected by a committee.
How to Apply
Applications are due annually by June 1 and must be submitted electronically to
CPIL. Applicants should review the application form, checklist and program requirements for full details.
Additional Resources
- Access Group offers budget planning tools, including online, interactive budget calculators
- AskHeatherJarvis.com offers educational resources and training for student loan borrowers
- Equal Justice Works is a comprehensive source of information about student loans
- Schrag, Philip G. discusses federal student loan repayment assistance for public interest lawyers and other employees of governments and nonprofit organizations
- Student Loan Borrower Assistance is the National Consumer Law Center's resource for borrowers, their families, and advocates representing student loan borrowers.