WHAT IS SFPIF?
Student Funded Public Interest Fellowships (SFPIF) supports Pritzker students entering public interest law careers by raising funds for summer internship living expenses, bar exam prep/fees, and other expenses critical to their success. SFPIF conducts fundraising events throughout the year including our Fall Auction, Spring Alumni Dinner, book sales, and “Bar Reviews.”
SFPIF was founded in 1979 to provide funding for students pursuing summer public interest jobs. At the time, many entry-level public interest positions were not funded, making it challenging for students to pursue public interest careers. The Northwestern faculty and students who founded SFPIF created opportunities for graduates to pursue public interest jobs. Over the years, SFPIF has funded hundreds of students, changing the shape of their careers and making an impact on the community.
WHAT DOES SFPIF DO?
SFPIF raises money to support public interest students and hosts events to celebrate the public interest community. Annual events include our Fall Auction, Book Sale, and Spring Alumni Dinner and “Bar Reviews.” SFPIF’s primary focus is providing funding for 3L students who have unique funding needs such as bar exam preparation and bar application fees, on top of summer living expenses. To bridge the financial gap between graduation and the start of a job (usually in late summer/early fall for public interest positions) and prevent them from having to work while studying for the bar exam, 3Ls preparing for a career in public interest get the bulk of the funding. The remainder goes to 1Ls and 2Ls to “top off” the funding given to them through the school.
HOW CAN YOU EARN SFPIF FUNDING?
Funds are distributed only to students who meet SFPIF’s volunteer hours requirement and secure a public interest job. Learn more about the ’24-’25 eligibility requirements by reviewing this slideshow.
Sign up for our listserv to stay updated on volunteer opportunities and announcements using this link.
Our application for ’24-’25 representatives is closed.
Please contact Marcus and Jordan for more information.