The 1L Summer Public Interest Funding Application is open and accepting applications through Friday, April 21st at 11:59pm CT.  You can access the google form here!

The 1L Summer Public Interest Funding Program (1L SPIP) is part of WashU Law’s commitment to supporting our students who choose to pursue careers in government and public interest law by providing financial support to students who would otherwise be unable to work in an unpaid government or public interest internship over the summer.  Through 1L SPIP, WashU Law offers funding of up to $3,000 (less taxes) for law students in need who work full time in eligible positions for a minimum of six weeks (or, roughly 200 hours) and complete a 1L SPIP application.

An eligible position is one in which you are:

  • Working for the public interest in a legal, policy, legislative, or advocacy setting under legal supervision, and in a position where at least one year of law school is required; and
    • Working for a non-profit organization;
    • Working for a government office; or
    • Working in a judicial externship/internship program; and
  • Working in a position where you are not receiving payment intended to compensate you for work performed during the internship, whether from your place of employment or another outside source.

Please note that 1L SPIP utilizes Federal Work Study funds. As such, you may be required to submit a 2023 FAFSA as part of your application.

Do not hesitate to reach out to Alison Smith or Merce’de Savala with questions. Apply today!