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For many students, public interest law is a calling — a sense of duty that compels them to serve the public, alleviate suffering and improve the quality of life for individuals in Washington and the world.

Volunteering with governmental or public service agencies provides valuable experience and fosters a lifelong commitment to community service, even for those who ultimately seek a career outside of public interest work.

For 25 years, ������Ƶ’s Public Interest Law Association (PILA) has made these opportunities possible by providing students with grant support as they spend a summer performing legal work. Students gain valuable professional skills while they serve the community.

“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, a 2017 PILA grant recipient who used the funding to intern with the Federal Defenders of San Diego, Inc.. “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.”

Public interest law internships allow students to engage in life-changing work, not only for law students, but also for the underrepresented people and causes they support. However, this work rarely comes with a paycheck. For many students, this experience is possible only because of donor-funded grants.

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

Creating a lasting impact

PILA’s fundraising efforts each year determine the number of grants awarded and the amount of each grant. Please make a gift today.

PILA-funded projects benefit legal services offices, public interest organizations, social service agencies, non-profit organizations, governmental agencies and tribal entities.

Previous sponsoring organizations have included:

• Crag Law Center
• Disability Rights Washington
• Federal Public Defender of the
• Western District of Washington
• Kids in Need of Defense (KIND)
• King County Department of
• Public Defense
• Northwest Immigrant
• Rights Project
• Northwest Justice Project
• Promise of Justice Initiative
• Seattle Community Law Center
• Snohomish County Public
• Defender Association
• Solid Ground, Benefits Legal
• Assistance Team
• Unemployment Law Project
• Washington Appellate Project
• Washington Attorney General,
• Social and Health Services
• Washington Attorney General,
• Wing Luke Civil Rights Unit