Special merit awards are offered to admitted students dedicated to a career in public service. These funds not only pay a significant portion of law school tuition, but can also provide book stipends for selected Public Interest Scholars. Priority consideration is given to admitted students who have a history of community service and hope to continue this work after law school.
Public Interest Scholars are leaders in and out of the classroom. Past Loyola scholars have been involved with campus public interest groups and events, and have strong records of academic performance while in law school. Alumni have pursued various avenues from large firms to more traditional public interest work after graduation. Loyola believes all lawyers can be forces for social justice -- no matter where their careers take them.
Benefits include, but are not limited to, mentoring opportunities, prior consideration for the Summer Public Interest Employment Program (SPIEP)*, one-on-one counseling and support from the Public Interest Law Department, recognition at a faculty luncheon and a network of great alumni.
For consideration, please submit an additional one to two page statement highlighting your public interest background along with your law school application to the Office of Admissions. Scholars are selected based on a combination of merit and commitment. If you have any questions, please contact the Admissions Office at 213.736.1074.
Starting in the 2019-2020 academic school year, Loyola expanded the Public Interest Scholars Program to admit about 5 to 10 additional Public Interest Scholars into the program. Rising second-year law students will be eligible to apply for admittance into the program during the month of June for the following academic year.
*SPIEP funding is provided through the Department of Education's federally funded work-study program. Participation may impact a student's federal aid eligibility.