Public Justice Foundation (PJF)

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, such as Legal Aid, the District Attorney's Office, Child Services, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the United Nations, among others.

Fellowship recipients have worked at some of the following places: Nassau/Suffolk Law Services, District Attorney's Office, U.S. Attorney’s Office, 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, and many, many more.

"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 3L

“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 2L

Support summer fellowships for students pursuing unpaid internships in government and nonprofit agencies.