Law School and University Funded Positions

Northwestern Law offers alternative post-graduate options designed for students interested in careers in public service, and for students who require additional assistance securing their first jobs. These programs are designed to help recent graduates gain valuable experience, which is increasingly important in the public sector, while also helping serve underrepresented populations. Most of Northwestern’s Law School- and University-funded positions make it possible for graduates to work at organizations that would not otherwise be able to hire them.

Post-Graduate Public Interest Fellowships

Each year the Law School provides up to five one-year, full-time, Post-Graduate Public Interest Fellowships to students committed to careers in public service. Designed to help launch public interest law careers, Fellows are chosen through a competitive application process. During their fellowship year, Fellows actively utilize their law degree, providing direct representation, policy analysis and/or advocacy at a domestic nonprofit or government agency of their choosing. Fellows are paid $50,000 plus health insurance reimbursement, and qualify for the Law School’s loan repayment assistance program (LRAP).

Transition to Practice

To assist graduating students who have not yet secured employment, the law school provides funding to work with an employer on a part-time, temporary basis through the Transition to Practice program. Recent graduates hone their legal skills and build a network of attorneys and professionals while pursuing permanent employment.