From: Office of Public Interest/Public Service Law and Careers
Date: November 16, 2023
Subject: Religion Law, LL.M. Fellowships, and More


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

Public Interest Over J-Term

Many J-term electives focus on public interest topics, including a criminal defense/digital forensics seminar, a course on consumer bankruptcy and public interest lawyering, and a new course titled "Health Law and Justice After Dobbs." Learn more from this recorded info session.

Events and Programs

Religion Law Goes Far Beyond Religion 

Monday, Nov. 20
12:10-1:10 p.m. in WJW 600

The Secularism Society is hosting speaker Bradley Girard from Americans United for Separation of Church and State. Girard will speak about his previous work in labor and employment law and how that led to his role at Americans United, the state of religious freedoms in the U,S., and how students can get involved. Lunch will be provided. Cosponsored by the PI/PS Office.

LL.M. Public Interest Holiday Luncheon

Thursday, Nov. 30
12:10-1:10 p.m. in TBD
RSVP

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 five days ahead to prevent food waste. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available. For other dietary needs, email us by the RSVP deadline.

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.

Upcoming Deadlines

Postgraduate Fellowships

Dec. 4: Millstein Financial Regulation, Government Service (J.D.s)
 

Summer Funding and Summer Programs

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

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

LL.M. Fellowships

More info

Leebron
Funds one year working in human rights in the United States or abroad. Deadline for LL.M.s: Mar. 3

Global Public Service
Funds one year working abroad. Preference: Asia-based organizations engaged in issues of international law and global consequence, especially environmental work. Deadline: Mar. 3

Haas
Funds students from China to work in public interest in the United States for three to six months. Deadline: Mar. 6

LL.M. Pathways
Funds work at a qualifying host organization in the U.S. or abroad for 10 to 52 weeks. Deadline: Mar. 13
 

Other Deadlines (J.D.s)

Resources

PAP/Criminal Defense Clinic Clothing Drive

Nov. 27-Dec. 1
Donation Box, JG First Floor

Donate professional clothing for clients of the criminal defense clinic. Items needed:

  • Business suits and blazers
  • Dress shirts and blouses
  • Dress pants and skirts
  • Ties and scarves
  • Dress shoes
  • Accessories (belts, handbags, jewelry)

All items should be clean and in good condition. Please, no torn, stained, or heavily worn clothing. 

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