From: Office of Public Interest/Public Service Law and Careers
Date: November 21, 2023
Subject: Racial Justice Fellowships, PI/PS Office Over Winter Break, and More


Columbia Law School Office of Public Interest/Public Service Law and Careers (PI/PS)

Winter Break Is Almost Here...

The PI/PS Office will be open over break, so don't hesitate to reach out. And keep an eye out for:

  • "Next Steps" emails with guidance on what you need to know to be ready for spring.
  • Emails about the Spring Virtual On-Campus Interview Program from careerservices@law.columbia.edu.
  • Information on the 1L Mock Interview Program.

Good luck on exams!

Events and Programs

LL.M. Public Interest Holiday Luncheon

Thursday, Nov. 30
12:10-1:10 p.m. in WJW 1st Fl. (Feldberg)
RSVP Required

LL.M. students interested in human rights and public international law are invited to the LL.M. Holiday Luncheon with PI/PS Office host Kerry McLean, director of human rights and public international law. Mingle with fellow LL.M. students and unwind as the fall semester comes to a close. RSVP is required.

2Ls: Apply for a Racial Justice Fellowship

Second-year students who intend to pursue racial justice legal work immediately after graduation or a clerkship are eligible to apply for these fellowships, which provide $25,000. Five fellows will be selected; they will receive the funding in fall of their 3L year. The application is due on February 26.

Public Interest Legal Career Fair: Register/Apply by Jan. 18

The Public Interest Legal Career (PILC) Fair connects employers and students through interviews for internships and informal information tables. Last year, over 300 employers participated.

To interview at the fair, you must register and submit applications by 5 p.m. on Jan. 18. Use your UNI to register. If you register late, you will not be eligible to apply for interviews, but you will be able to participate in Table Talk.

The fair will take place at NYU on Feb. 8 and 9.

Upcoming Deadlines

Postgraduate Fellowships

Dec. 4: Millstein Financial Regulation, Government Service (J.D.s)
Jan. 30: Excelsior
Feb. 1: Leebron (J.D. deadline only)
Feb. 5: Kirkland & Ellis
 

Summer Funding and Summer Programs

Nov. 30: Deadline for 1Ls to complete their CSF checklist
Nov. 30: Human Rights Internship Program application
 

Other

Jan. 18 at 5 p.m.: Deadline to apply for PILC Fair interviews
Feb. 26: 2L Racial Justice Fellowship

The PI/PS Office Is Here for You

Make an advising appointment on Symplicity

Marka Belinfanti
Pro Bono

Joel Dodge
Postgraduate Fellowships, Public Interest Lawyering

Jean Fischman
Berger Fellows

Emily Harris
Public Defense

Alex Hogan
Government

Kerry McLean
Human Rights, Public International Law, HRIP

Tory Messina
Career Transitions, LRAP, Public Interest Law Firms

Hasan Shafiqullah
Direct Services, Immigration, Housing, Welfare Benefits, LGBTQ+ Advocacy

Grace Shim
Employment, Housing, Civil Rights, Nonprofit Management, Mediation

Full staff list and bios
News and Notes
Postgraduate Fellowship Corner

New J.D. Fellowships

Excelsior Service
Work in New York State government alongside senior members of the administration for two years. Due Jan. 30.

Kirkland & Ellis
Funds a year of work meeting serious human needs in New York City. Due Feb. 5.
 

Other CLS Fellowships

Download applications
  • Dec. 4: Millstein Financial Regulation, Government Service (J.D.s only)
  • Feb. 1: Leebron (J.D.s only)
  • Mar. 3: Leebron (LL.M.s only), Global Public Service (J.D.s and LL.M.s)
  • Mar. 6: Haas (J.D.s and LL.M.s)
  • Mar. 13: LL.M. Pathways

Resources

Spring 24 Public Interest Courses

There are openings in the following: Just Transitions Clinic, Ex. Environmental Practice. Ex. Harlem Economic Justice, Ex. Law, Power & Social Change, Ex. Veterans' Rights.

If interested in the clinic, email Prof. Pannu. If interested in any of the externships, email Liliana Vaamonde.

What Is the Columbia Public Interest Community?

It's a network for all students interested in public interest, regardless of the sector they will work in post-graduation. Its goal is to strengthen bonds between students and enrich their public interest experience. Join on CLS Connect today! Learn more.

Also @ Columbia (and Beyond)

PAP/Criminal Defense Clinic Clothing Drive
Nov. 27-Dec. 1
Drop off professional clothing for clients of the criminal defense clinic. The donation box will be in the JG lobby.

1L Judicial Careers Workshop: Researching Judges for Summer Judicial Internships
Nov. 27, 4 p.m.

The Reform and Role of ISDS in the Legalization and Legitimacy of the Investment Treaty Regime
Nov. 28, 9 a.m.

State of Silence: The Espionage Act, Politics, and Press Freedom
Dec. 6, 5:30 p.m.

What Is the Columbia Public Interest Community?

It's a network for all students interested in public interest, regardless of the sector they will work in post-graduation. Its goal is to strengthen bonds between students and enrich their public interest experience. Join on CLS Connect today! Learn more.

Funding Opportunities


Public Service Bridge Loan
LRAP-eligible loan for 3Ls for pre-bar expenses. Due May 10.

CLS Funding Resources
Internal and external funding available to or specifically for CLS students.

MAX Scholarship Opportunities
MAX automatically enters students into scholarship drawings if they complete online financial education or attend events.
The Office of Public Interest/Public Service Law and Careers (the PI/PS Office) inspires and prepares students and graduates to pursue public service and public interest work throughout their careers anywhere in the world.

Staff List