Definition and Rules

Specific definitions and rules are as follows:

“Public interest work” means performing work (a) offering direct legal services to underprivileged or underrepresented groups; (b) with non-profit organizations that advocate on behalf of such underprivileged or underrepresented groups or the environment; or (c) with organizations against which claims are filed by underprivileged or underrepresented groups (i.e. the INS, school districts, Welfare Department, Social Security) that is intended to improve policies and procedures benefiting such groups.
“Underprivileged or underrepresented groups” include the indigent, minorities, children, disabled, women, and elderly. Other groups not listed here may qualify pursuant to approval by the PILF board. If the activity does not clearly fit within this definition, students should seek approval before engaging in the activity.
“Unpaid” means that the employer does not offer an hourly wage or salary. Cost-of-living or travel stipends from the employer will not disqualify a student from counting his or her hours towards the award.
Work done for externship credit, law help courses, or directed research through the law school can be counted towards the award if it fits the above definition of public interest work. However, where law help courses allow students to count non-service hours (i.e. attending lectures, assigned readings) towards course requirements, only direct service hours and hours preparing specifically for direct service should be counted towards the award.
Students may receive the award only once. It will be awarded in the year during which the students complete the 100-hour requirement.