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.
"Through the support of the Public Justice Foundation, I was able to pursue my passion for criminal law at the Nassau County Legal Aid Society, where my commitment to public defense truly flourished. The experience was both deeply rewarding and instrumental in strengthening my legal skills. Without PJF’s funding, this invaluable opportunity would not have been possible." - Jessica M. Sperling, Hofstra Law 3L
"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 '25
"The PJF fellowship allowed me to fully immerse myself in my dream practice area without the financial strain of an unpaid internship, which is the reality for many pursuing public interest law. With PJF’s support, I gained invaluable hands-on experience and ultimately secured post-graduate employment at the organization where I interned. PJF gave me the peace of mind to focus on my career journey instead of financial concerns.” - Elkana Alexandre '25
"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 '24
