The PILI Summer 2008 application season is closed.  All internship-host agencies have either completed PILI summer internship hiring, or are no longer accepting applications for summer 2008.  If you have questions about your application to a particular agency, please follow up with that agency directly.

THE COVER LETTER:

Please individualize your cover letters.  Since PILI and the agencies seek a diverse group of interns, you may include information about minority status and foreign language fluency.

DEADLINES: 

The application period for the 2008 Summer Internship program is now closed.  Beginning in October of 2008, the application period for summer of 2009 will open. Due to NALP restrictions, first-year students will not be eligible to apply until December of 2008.  Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through March of 2009.  Please note: Each agency supervisor handles hiring differently; some make hiring decisions in fall or winter, while others wait until later in the school-year.  The earlier you apply, the better your chances of obtaining an Internship.

UPLOADING YOUR APPLICATION MATERIALS : 

Once you have uploaded your resume and your cover letter(s), your application is complete. (You will not receive any e-mail or other notification from PILI that we have received your application materials).  From October through March, agency supervisors receive weekly automated e-mails with links to their applicants.  When an agency supervisor logs in, she will see your resume and cover letter, along with those of others who have applied to her agency.

GETTING HIRED AS A PILI INTERN:

PILI does not hire Interns; the agencies do. PILI recruits applicants and hosts, funds stipends, and acts as a clearinghouse.  However, here are some tips.  Public interest agencies want students who are dedicated to public interest issues.  Therefore, mention experiences that demonstrate your commitment, including volunteer or community work, and note any special skills, e.g., language proficiency, computer experience, etc.   

AGENCY RESPONSES:

Don't be discouraged if you have applied for an Internship but have not yet received a response.  Each agency has its own hiring practices.  Some make hiring decisions in fall or winter, while others wait until later in the school-year.  Agencies may not always acknowledge every application because many agencies have neither the staff nor the funds to do so.  Some agencies will directly contact selected applicants for interviews.  If you have not yet heard from an agency, you are free to follow up with that agency to check on the status of your application, but do so in a professional and respectful manner.

STIPEND FOR PILI SUMMER INTERNS:

PILI pays a $5,000 grant to the agency; the agency withholds taxes and pays the Intern for 400 hours, or ten full-time weeks, of work.  Check the agency's pay arrangements so you will know what to expect.

AFFILIATED AGENCIES FOR THE 2009 SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM:

PILI's affiliated agencies page lists all of the 50 host agencies at which law student Interns or post-graduate Fellows work.  However, a smaller number of agenices will be designated as Summer Intern hosts that are participating in the PILI Summer Internship Program.