Practicing public interest law is a path law students may consider. It’s beneficial to have opportunities to put skills into practice before graduating, but it can be difficult financially for students to accept unpaid or underpaid positions. Thanks to the generosity of these firms and private donors, the Moritz Public Interest Fellowships break down financial barriers and allow students to pursue work in public interest spaces.
The Captain Jonathan D. Grassbaugh Veterans Project Fund funds up to three 1L or 2L Moritz students to provide legal services to veterans in a variety of non-profit or government settings. Work with The Legal Aid Society of Southeast and Central Ohio, other legal aids or direct legal service organizations, and non-profits serving veterans may qualify for this fellowship.
The fund began in 2013 with a generous gift from Jenna Ferrell ’14. She started the fund in memory of Jonathan Grassbaugh, her husband, who was killed in action while serving in Iraq. Grassbaugh’s legacy of service and selflessness now touches and impacts the lives of the students who receive funding for their summer positions in public interest.
The Amy E. Kellogg Fellowship in Public Service, started in 2021, funds one 1L or 2L Moritz student for work at a non-profit anywhere that focuses on social justice and equality.
Since 2017, The Squire Patton Boggs Foundation Public Policy Fellowship has provided support to one 1L or 2L student each year for their work at a non-profit or government organization involving public policy. The fellow is expected to work for at least eight weeks for the organization they have committed to. The selected student is paired with a mentor from the law firm Squire Patton Boggs and joins a cohort of Fellows nationwide. Read more.
The Benesch Social Justice Law Clerk Program has funded up to two 1L Moritz students for work at a non-profit organization located in Columbus, Ohio, since 2021. The recipients’ work is focused on increasing access to legal services or the education and enrichment of children. Each selected student is assigned a mentor from the law firm Benesch and are encouraged to interact with firm attorneys at a variety of events and trainings throughout the summer.
The Chuck & Stephanie Baker Jarrett Fellowship Support Fund started in 2021 and funds two 1L or 2L Moritz students doing legal work in a non-profit organization serving low-income or underserved populations striving to achieve equal justice. Some of the qualifying work might be in the areas of civil rights, social justice, immigration, prevention of human trafficking, and fighting inequality.
The Bost Fellowship Support Fund helps students pursuing work opportunities in entrepreneurial business law for a nonprofit or in an academic institution other than the College. Recipients of this fund may also find work with organizations that advance opportunities in entrepreneurship, business, technology, industry, or economic development. Started in 2023, this fund supports first and second year law students.
The R. L. and Barbara Richards Fellowship Support Fund began in 2023 and supports summer fellowships that support health care initiatives. This could include work occurring at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wexner Medical Center, or a nonprofit focused on supporting healthcare.
The Skaggs Family Foundation Public Service Fellowship provides a one-year post-graduate fellowship position in public service for a graduate of Moritz College of Law. Started in 2019, the fellowship seeks to fund a position that serves homeless youth in Franklin County.
Since 2018, The Intellectual Property Fellowship has provided a summer fellowship for a College of Law student working in intellectual property. Recipients of the fellowship may work for a nonprofit, academic institution, or similar area that accelerates technology or industry.