The Public Interest Institute will award grants to Alabama law students performing law-related, public interest work during the summer of 2024.
Eligibility
Grants are open to all first and second year students in good academic standing at The University of Alabama School of Law who plan to return to UA in the fall of 2024.
Placement
- Placements must be unpaid internships at nonprofit or government offices that engage in public interest law, and for which students are not receiving academic credit.
- Grants will not be awarded for placements in: a judge’s office; a congressional or legislative staff office; or any office not engaged in public interest work.
- Public interest work is defined as assisting and representing individuals or causes who are traditionally underrepresented in the legal system; helping to secure or protect civil rights, civil liberties or public rights; and helping charitable, civic, community, governmental and educational organizations not able to afford adequate legal representation.
- Placements may be for a full summer or a portion of the summer.
Award Criteria
The committee will consider the following criteria in making award decisions:
- The applicant’s current and prior community service and/or pro bono involvement
- The applicant’s commitment to pursuing a career in public service
- How well the placement will further the applicant’s legal skills and career goals
Funding
Grants are contingent on the availability of funding and will be made in varying amounts, which typically range from $1000 to $3,000. Any supplemental funding from the host organization or other sources (such as additional summer jobs) must be indicated. If a student is awarded supplemental funding after the submission of the application, the student must inform the Assistant Dean for Public Interest Law.
Deadline
Applications are due by Friday, March 29, 2024, to Felecia Linton either electronically (flinton@law.ua.edu) or in person (Room A113). Decisions will be made by the Public Interest Committee by mid-April.
