Weil Legal Innovators Program - Public Service Fellowship for Rising Law Students

The Weil Legal Innovators (WLI) Program empowers future lawyers to take on today’s most pressing social and legal challenges before they even begin law school. Each year, ten incoming law students from our partner schools defer their first year of study to spend a full year working at a leading nonprofit organization through a paid public service fellowship.

During their fellowship, Innovators drive forward strategic initiatives that promote social justice, expand access to legal resources, and strengthen communities – applying their passion for service and sharpening their skills, all while helping nonprofits deepen their impact.

ELIGIBILITY

All students who have been accepted to a J.D. program at one of the WLI law school partners are eligible to apply. Eligibility is open to students with prior professional experience, as well as students applying directly to law school from an undergraduate institution. Eligibility is subject to confirmation that the applicant can attend orientation during the WLI Conference in New York City from July 13-15, 2026 (travel expenses and hotel accommodations will be covered by Weil).

Positions offered through WLI are not eligible for visa sponsorship. All Weil Legal Innovators Program participants must demonstrate U.S. work authorization within three business days of hire.

2026-2027 NONPROFIT PARTNERS

The 2026-2027 WLI Program offers 18 Innovator fellowship opportunities at 12 leading nonprofit organizations based across the United States.

• Clooney Foundation for Justice
• Graham Windham
• Innocence Project
• Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
• Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty (Met Council)
• Miami Waterkeeper
• Posse
• UnCommon Law
• United Way of New York City
• Upsolve
• Vogel Alcove
• World Wildlife Fund

Note that in-person and remote work expectations varies by nonprofit organization. For full details on each organization's remote work policy, please visit our website.

WHAT DO INNOVATORS RECEIVE FOR THEIR PARTICIPATION?

• $60,000 salary for the fellowship year, plus access to health benefits (inclusive of medical, vision and dental) from their nonprofit employer.
• A $10,000 law school scholarship applicable for law school tuition and required expenses.
• All-expenses-paid trip to New York City for the program’s three-day conference at the start and end of the fellowship year, featuring training, networking, and celebratory events with fellow Innovators, alumni and Weil attorneys and staff.
• An opportunity to work at and learn from a leading national or international public service organization.
• Direct mentorship opportunities with attorneys and professional staff at various levels.
• A guaranteed opportunity to interview for the Weil Summer Associate Program with dedicated guidance and support from the WLI network.
• Professional development trainings from leading instructors in the academic, for-profit and nonprofit sectors.
• A lifelong WLI alumni network, with opportunities to stay engaged through year-round virtual and in-person events and to mentor current Innovators through the WLI Bridge Program.