Hofstra Law’s Public Justice Foundation helps to ensure that quality legal services are provided to those who would otherwise be marginalized or forgotten in the justice system. This is achieved through Public Interest Law Fellowships, which are awarded to students who devote their summers to working in an area of public interest law.
Fellowship recipients have worked at some of the following places: Nassau/Suffolk Law Services, District Attorney's Office, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Legal Aid, Child Services, Environmental Protection Agency, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, U.S. Department of Justice, New York State Division of Human Rights, New York City Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project, South Brooklyn Legal Services, New York Legal Assistance Group, Legal Assistance Corp. of Massachusetts (Family and Child Department), Domestic Violence Coalition, Public Defender Office, United Nations, and many, many more.
"Thanks to the Public Justice Foundation, I got to work with the Veterans Advocacy Project to provide pro-bono legal services to veterans seeking assistance in a wide variety of practice areas. Without the funding and support I received from PJF, this would not have been possible." - Kraig Puccia, Hofstra Law 2L
"When I started at Hofstra Law, I already knew that I wanted to be a prosecutor and getting the chance as a PJF fellow to work at one of the largest prosecutors’ offices in the country was incredible. It allowed me to network with attorneys and peers, and furthered my perspective on the world of prosecution." - Allison Schmidt, Hofstra Law 3L
"Receiving the PJF award allowed me to dive into public service and particularly the area of immigration law while being able to financially support myself. This past summer I interned with Safe Passage Project, a non-profit that provides immigration services to unaccompanied minors. Through my work with Safe Passage Project I have been able to defend minors from deportation and advocate for relief on their behalf. This work is so fulfilling that I have continued to work with Safe Passage Project on a voluntary basis throughout the 2021 fall semester. This opportunity would not have been possible for me if it weren’t for the grant of the PJF award." – Madison Hays '22
"Without the PJF grant, my love for depositions may have never kindled. Interning for the Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor allowed me to apply my research, writing, and investigative skills towards practice areas that truly interest me. PJF grants allow Hofstra students like me to follow our passions while making an active, positive difference in our communities." – Jacob Warshall '23
