Public Service Scholarships

2024-2025 Public Service Scholars (l-r): Sophie Hess ’25, Noor Saleh ’26, Shelby Alexander ’26, and Grant Shellhouse ’26

The William Wayne Justice Center for Public Interest Law’s Public Service Scholars Program provides $1500 scholarships for up to four second and third-year students with a demonstrated commitment to studying and working in public service and promoting it at the Law School. “Public service” for this program includes legal work in non-profit, pro bono, government and legislative settings.

Scholars’ Responsibilities: Scholars will join the Justice Center Student Advisory Board, which:

• Provides the Justice Center with insight into the experiences of students pursuing public service and public interest law.

• Facilitates communication between the Center, students, and public interest-focused student organizations.

• Helps build the Law School’s public interest community and culture of service.

Meetings and Projects: The Board meets with Justice Center staff four to five times each semester, usually at 8:00 a.m., and attendance is mandatory. Scholars provide input on Justice Center programs and initiatives, work on committee projects, and share student organization updates.

The 2024-25 board will focus on projects that support new students interested in public service and connect students with public interest alumni.

Selection Criteria: Scholars are selected based on their:

1. Commitment to public service,

2. Leadership and involvement in student organizations, and

3. Interest in promoting public service at the Law School.

Financial need is not considered during the selection process. Additional limited scholarship support may be available for Scholars whose educational debt for law school will exceed $80,000.

Expectations for Scholars: Selected students will work closely with the Justice Center for about 6-8 hours per month during the academic year. Before funds are disbursed, each Scholar must sign an agreement agreeing to attend board meetings, attend and promote Justice Center events, work with Justice Center staff and other students to help plan Justice Center programs, build the Law School’s public interest community, promote a schoolwide culture of service, and sign and fulfill the pro bono pledge.

Learn more about the Public Service Scholars and Student Advisory Board here:

Student Advisory Board

2023-24 Public Service Scholars

For more information, please email: justicecenter@law.utexas.edu

Application Information

Deadline: Applications must be submitted by noon on August 19, 2024. Scholars will be announced by
August 27, 2024.

How to Apply: Second and third-year law students can apply online. Before applying, review the scholarship criteria and board details. The application includes an essay describing your commitment to public service, your interest in and ideas for promoting public service at the Law School, and your ideas for advancing the 2024-25 Board project goals.