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Congratulations to the 2017 Public Interest Law Association (PILA) grant recipients! PILA awarded 28 grants this year, the most in its 22 year history.

One of the oldest organizations at UW School of Law, the student-run group operates as a 501c3 nonprofit with the goal of supporting and promoting public interest law. PILA annually provides summer grants to fund unpaid, public interest internships.

I am most looking forward to the opportunity to get hands-on experience in an area that I am passionate about. Olivia Miller, 2L

To apply for a PILA grant, students must volunteer for five hours and submit an application for review. The committee then selects recipients for $2500 and $5000 grants, which allow students the financial freedom to pursue their passion in public interest. 

“PILA is not only helping to fund my summer work, but is also giving me the opportunity to preview my dream job,” said Ana Faoro, who will intern with the Federal Defenders of San Diego, Inc. (FDSDI). “However, I know the defense and advocacy skills I gain at this internship will be irreplaceable regardless of which public defense agency I work at after graduation.” 

Faoro looks forward to helping represent clients with immigration cases. “I believe that the federal criminal justice system is the best place to spark change at the both the federal and state level, through state incorporation of federal policies, which is why I want to be a federal public defender.”

Since 1995, PILA has provided approximately 321 grants and well over a million dollars in grant funds.

“This grant allows me to continue into public service,” said Olivia Miller, who will intern with the Pierce County Department of Assigned Counsel. “Without it, I would be unable to afford a summer in public defense and therefore would not be able to pursue the career I am passionate about.”

2017 PILA grant recipients: