Grants are available for students who choose to engage in public interest work over the summer.
What People are Saying About the Grant:
Seleste told us: "During the summer after my first year, I interned at the Juvenile Division of the Clark County Public Defenders' Office. I interacted with juvenile defendants, strengthened my legal writing skills, and observed courtroom procedures. The PILA grant enabled me to intern within a field of law that I enjoy, all without having to worry about personal finances. This meant the world to me, since this first-generation college student would not have had the financial ability to pursue this possible career choice without this grant."
And Casey said: "Earning the grant allowed me to gain work experience in public interest, the field I ultimately want to pursue as a career. I have no source of income while I'm in school and internships and positions in this field don't typically pay so it was my only option of getting that experience. It cemented in my mind that it's what I want to do and it taught me what I need in order to do it."
How Much:
Full Grant: $5000 for a minimum of 320 hours
Half Grant: $2500 for a minimum of 160 hours
How Does It Work: A Boyd student may apply for the PILA grant if they obtain a non-paying position at a public interest firm or organization over the summer and meet other eligibility requirements, such as securing donation for the annual PILA benefit auction. The grant, if awarded, will be paid in the form of a stipend.
Eligible Public Interest Positions: Legal positions under the supervision of an attorney at non-profit or government agencies which represent indigent or under-served populations qualify as public interest positions.
Types of organizations people have worked for in the past include:
- Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada
- Nevada Legal Services
- Nevada Attorney General's Office
- US Department of the Interior-- Bureau of Indian Affairs
- Clark County Public Defender's Office
- Clark County District Attorney's Office
- IRS
- Southern Nevada Senior Law Program
NOT eligible: Any work for a partisan group or a group closely associated with a candidate or contending faction in an election for public party office; work where the political affiliation/support/or affinity of the student is a prerequisite for employment; work for a judge (including ALJs); work to be performed for an elected official other than as part of the regular administration of federal, state or local government; work for a for-profit law firm; work for academic credit.
Other Eligibility Requirements: Must be in Good Standing & Not have Graduated Prior to Completing Work at the Funded Position; Must have donated at least 15 hours of Service to PILA, obtained 2 auction items for the annual PILA Auction, and be a paid PILA Member; Must fill out application, available in February.
The PILA Grant Committee will review all applications (the primary method of choosing the recipients, as long as all other requirements are satisfied) and decide on funding allocation by April.
**This award does not represent employment with UNLV.**