Frequently Asked Questions about Public Interest Law Fellowship (PILF) Applications
1. What criteria does the selection committee use to evaluate applicants?
The impact the student would have on the community, specifically who would the student be serving and in what capacity. How the specific work utilizes the student’s legal skills. The student’s passion for serving the community. The student’s passion for that particular placement.
2. How do I discuss potentially working with an organization contingent on receiving funding?
Decide whether you are interested in working at the site even if you do not get funding. If that’s the case, you can approach the organization and talk about what you want to do, why you want to do it there, and what schedule you would like to work. Then, you can let them know that you would like to volunteer there and that you are going to apply for funding. If you are only planning to work at the site if you are selected for the PILF grant, be clear about your intentions from the start and let the host organization know that you would like to work there but that your commitment is contingent on receiving funding. Talk to your career advisor for help approaching agencies.
3. Does it matter if I have never volunteered with MJF?
A student’s MJF volunteer hours are taken into consideration by the selection committee. Make sure you update them. You do not need MJF volunteer hours to apply. If you do not have any MJF volunteer hours, be specific when you identify your passion for the community and public interest.
4. Where have past recipients worked?
We recommend checking out the MJF site for volunteer postings to find something you are passionate about doing. Past recipients have worked for government entities, such as city/county attorney’s offices, public defenders offices, social services offices. Others have worked for non-profits, such as the Innocence Project and Neighborhood Justice Center.
5. Do my grades and academic credentials matter?
The selection committee does not consider grades or academic credentials. If the application is submitted with such information, it will be redacted. Any personal information is redacted prior to being considered by the selection committee. As such, the selection committee “blindly selects” applicants based on criteria identified in question one.
6. What is considered public interest?
Any 501(c)(3) nonprofit or government agency in the United States. Think about the type of work you would like to do and the area of the country where you would like to work, then research the organizations doing that type of work.
7. Can I get academic credit for my summer work?
Yes, if you set up an independent externship.