The University of Nebraska College of Law has launched its new Public Interest Scholars Program for prospective students applying for admission to Nebraska Law in 2023.

The Public Interest Scholars Program at Nebraska Law reflects the college’s commitment to developing inclusive leaders who advance justice, solve problems and serve with integrity. Students participating in the program will have demonstrated exceptional dedication to public service. The goal of the program is to foster that commitment throughout a student’s time in law school by offering financial support, mentoring, individualized assistance and unique programming and networking opportunities.

“When we drafted the college’s strategic plan in 2019, one of our goals was to become the best place in America for students interested in public interest work and public service,” said Richard Moberly, dean of law. “The new Public Interest Scholars Program is an important step in achieving that goal. It further strengthens our commitment to advancing justice and will help students build the skills they need to become leaders within the Nebraska Law community, and eventually, the public interest legal community.”

Benefits for Public Interest Scholars:

• Half-tuition scholarship

• Alumni mentor

• One-on-one advising session with the Director of Public Interest Programs prior to orientation and individualized guidance throughout law school

• Welcome dinner with public interest faculty and alumni

• Guaranteed summer funding for unpaid qualified public interest internships through the Nebraska Public Interest Law Fund

• Individual counseling session on loan repayment and Public Service Loan Forgiveness with an Accredited Financial Counselor through AccessLex

• Exclusive programming and events for Scholars throughout the year

• Paid registration for the national Equal Justice Works Conference and Career Fair and Midwest Public Interest Law Career Conference

• Guaranteed seat in one of the law college clinic programs as a third-year student

Applicants who wish to be considered for the Public Interest Scholars Program must include a separate essay when applying for admission describing their public service commitment and career goals and any factors that have influenced them. In evaluating candidates for the program, the committee will look at the whole person, but will focus primarily on demonstrated interest, experience, and commitment to public service along with leadership potential.

Learn more about the application process.