The Ms. JD Public Interest Scholarship program provides a stipend to students as they pursue careers in public interest law. Ms. JD is thrilled to continue our support of women pursuing public interest careers and soften the burden faced by those who accept public interest internships, which are often unpaid.
The definition of public interest law is broad and includes both domestic and international work; direct service, impact litigation, and policy work; and government and non-profit work. Former public interest scholarship award recipients have pursued internships in immigration law, women’s rights, public health, public defense, government at all levels, and criminal justice reform.
ELIGIBILITY
- The Scholarship is open to all law students who identify as women. Ms. JD recognizes women in all their diversities.
- Applicants should be entering their second or third year at an ABA-accredited U.S. law school as of summer 2022.
- Applicants should be planning to work at least 30 hours per week for a minimum of 4 weeks over the summer of 2022.
- Eligible placements include positions with a government agency, nonprofit organization, or unpaid judicial externship.
- Applicants do not need to have a confirmed placement at the time of application, but will be asked to submit an offer letter confirming their public interest placement by June 2022.
- Applicant must be a member of the Ms. JD Online Community. Join here.
THE FUTURE OF PUBLIC INTEREST
This scholarship program is designed to empower future law students, who are committed to public service and have accepted public interest internships, which are often unpaid.
FAQs
What is the Ms. Public Interest Scholarship?
The Ms. JD Public Interest Scholarship program provides a stipend to students as they pursue careers in public interest law. Ms. JD is thrilled to continue our support of women pursuing public interest careers and soften the burden faced by those who accept public interest internships, which are often unpaid.
What are the expected requirements as a Public Interest Scholarship recipient?
Public Interest Scholarship recipients are expected to fulfill the following requirements:
- Complete their summer placement by working at least 30 hours per week for a minimum of 4 weeks over the summer of 2022.
- Participate in the Public Interest Scholar virtual presentation program to share public interest internship experience with the Ms. JD community.
How are Scholarship recipients selected?
The process of selecting recipients is holistic. Scholarship recipients are selected based on academic performance, leadership, and dedication to advancing the status of women in public interest law.
I am not a second-year law school student ("2L" or rising 3L). Can I still apply to the Scholarship?
First of all, thank you for your interest in the Ms. JD Public Interest Scholarship! The Scholarship is only open to rising 2Ls and 3Ls. If you are a 1L, we strongly encourage you to apply next year.
Where should I submit a letter of recommendation?
Your recommender should send their letter of recommendation directly to publicinterest@ms-jd.org. Letters of recommendation should be sent to publicinterest@ms-jd.org for review and consideration.
Can you add some information to my application after I have submitted it?
No, we cannot alter or add information to your application form, manuscript, or statement of plans once we have received it (the only exception is if you or your recommender’s contact information changes). Please make sure your application is ready and complete before you submit it. Please do not contact us to let us know one of your manuscripts has been published or received an award; this information will not have any bearing on our decision.
How are applicants selected?
Applications are read thoroughly by a committee. The committee members then score applicants based on a rubric and then discuss the most promising applicants they consider the most suitable to receive the Ms. JD Public Interest Scholarship.
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