What is a PILI Fellowship?
Participating Chicago law firms sponsor their incoming associates to work at one of PILI's affiliated public interest agencies (execpt for the US Dep't. of Health & Human Services) during the summer of the bar exam. A PILI Fellowship is arranged through an agreement by the firm, the associate, the agency, and PILI.

What is the expected time commitment?
PILI Fellows generally work five part-time weeks while studying for the bar exam (mornings at the agency, afternoons at the review course), and five full-time weeks after the exam. Most Fellows take a break of two weeks immediately before the exam for undivided study. Variations in this schedule can be arranged as long as the agency and the law firm agree (for example, Fellows sometimes put in two full-time weeks of work before the summer bar review course begins). Fellows usually have time for a vacation at the end of their Fellowships and before their firms’ start date. PILI Fellowships require 300 hours of work.

Is there enough time to study for the bar exam?
PILI Fellows report that they have adequate time to study. In fact, many say that they find the experience adds a welcome structure to this bar study period. Most agencies are located downtown, within a short distance of the bar review course. PILI Fellows should sign up for the afternoon course.

Which bar review class should Fellows register for?
Because PILI encourages Fellows to attend as many of our educational luncheon seminars (which occur roughly once a week from noon to 1 p.m. starting in June and running through early August), we urge Fellows to register for the afternoon or evening review courses. Fellows can then work mornings at their agencies, attend weekly informative PILI luncheon seminars that end promptly at 1:00 p.m., and still have plenty of thime to get to bar review classes.

How are PILI Fellowships arranged?
Participating law firms offer the PILI option to incoming associates who, in turn, indicate their interest to the firm. Some firms limit the number of associates who can be Fellows; others do not. Once your firm approves, the next steps are to: (1) review the list of agencies, (2) contact the agency or agencies that interest you, arrange for an interview, and (3) come to an agreement. The Fellow and agency supervisor then work out the details, including the start date and the type of work. Once the Fellowship is arranged, the Fellow informs both the firm and PILI.

How is PILI involved?
PILI administers the Fellowship Program along with an Internship program for current law students. During the summer, PILI facilitates an educational lunch-time seminar series on various aspects of public interest law. There are also social events for Fellows and Interns.

Can mid-year graduates begin Fellowships in the spring semester?
Yes, so long as Fellows work the requisite number of hours and both the sponsoring firm and the agency approve of the arrangement.

What are the benefits of being a PILI Fellow?
PILI Fellowships at direct legal services agencies provide Fellows with valuable hands-on client experience. Fellows at agencies involved with advocacy or impact litigation have the rare opportunity to work in fascinating areas that affect the public welfare. Fellowships can provide direct client contact or in-depth writing, invaluable experiences for the early years of practice. One of PILI’s major goals is to encourage a life-long involvement with pro bono work. After joining their firms, Fellows often continue to work on agency pro bono matters. They have had great experiences, and are bitten by the bug.

For more information: Contact your firm's recruitment coordinator, or PILI's Executive Director, Susan J. Curry, 312-832-5128.