Public Service Initiative Program Guidelines
The Program
Beginning with first year J.D. students entering in the fall of 2008, Harvard Law School will pay the third year tuition for students who satisfy summer job, public interest clinic and community involvement requirements and pledge to work five (5) years in public service after graduation. Students who first enrolled prior to the fall of 2008, and students transferring into HLS in the fall of 2008, will be eligible for smaller third year tuition grants of $5,000 or $10,000.
Harvard Law School will offer the Public Service Initiative as a 5-year pilot program to allow more graduates to pursue public service employment.
The Community
Each October, HLS will hold a ceremony for students who are planning a career in public service. 1Ls can sign a letter of commitment to public service, and 2Ls and 3Ls can also establish or renew their commitment. 3Ls who have met the program’s requirements will receive Public Service Initiative (PSI) grants up to full tuition, and will sign a promissory note requiring them to repay their PSI grants plus interest if they do not complete five consecutive years in public service upon graduation. The Office of Public Interest Advising will offer related community service and community-building events throughout the academic year.