Who are we?

The Hastings Public Interest Law Foundation (HPILF) is a student-led, 501(c)(3) non-profit. The HPILF Grant Program provides scholarships to law students who participate in unpaid, public interest legal internships. Our grants have allowed students to work with an array of legal organizations dedicated to immigrant rights, youth advocacy, civil liberties, LGBTQ matters, and climate justice, as well as with government agencies. ​

What is our purpose?

In 1978, the University of California Hastings College of the Law community of students and faculty came together to create the Hastings Public Interest Law Foundation. From its inception, HPILF has supported students interested in pursuing legal careers that focus on serving the public. The term public interest is broad, but one goal unifies all members of our organization – we work for a more just and equal tomorrow.

Over the last 40 years, generations of HPILF students have served in local, state, and national governments, flourished in nonprofits around the world, and forged new paths to serve the public interest. HPILF recognizes the potential and enthusiasm of students dedicated to the greater public. However, the vast majority of law student internships in the nonprofit and government sectors are unpaid. Thus, every student must choose between pursuing a career or livelihood.

We believe that a student should not have to sacrifice purpose for pragmatism. Therefore, each year, our organization provides grants to UC Hastings students interning for nonprofits or governmental agencies or departments. We are proud to have been able to support hundreds of students in their invaluable summer internships.

How is the Grant Program funded?

Our program depends on the generous contribution of the UC Hastings faculty and administration as well as donors throughout the nation. Since 1983, HPILF has hosted an annual Gala as our main fundraiser with 100% of the proceeds going to the grants. Today, the Gala is the flagship event of the UC Hastings social calendar! ​

What can YOU do?

Consider donating or becoming one of our Gala Sponsors! Sponsors will receive tickets to the Gala, advertisement at the event, and more. Contact us at hpilfgala@uchastings.edu if you are interested in becoming a sponsor.

Meet a few HPILF 2019 grant recipients

Katelyn McCormick, San Francisco Public Defenders Office: "Without the HPILF Grant I am not sure how I would have been able to intern at the San Francisco Public Defenders Office or any other public interest entity. I think it is really important to ensure that students who want to seek careers in the public interest or the public sector have the opportunity to do so and HPILF provided me with that opportunity."

Sarah Hashemi, Alameda Public Defenders Office: "... Upon graduation, I wish to continue to pursue a career as a public defender. Had it not been for the financial assistance provided by the HPILF grant, I would have been unable to spend my summer at the PD’s office."

Emmanuel Garcia, Los Angeles Dependency Lawyers: "... This was all due to the HPILF Grant, because it gave me the opportunity to do a job that is meaningful to my heart rather than my pockets. I am forever grateful for HPILF and plan on working with them even once I’ve graduated from Hastings."

Emma Fuller, Equal Rights Advocates: "The HPILF Scholarship allowed me to work at the Equal Rights Advocates in summer 2019. The ERA is a national civil rights organization dedicated to protecting and expanding economic and educational access and opportunities for women and girls."

Thank you to everyone who participated in HPILF’S 36th Annual Gala!

Information about the 2021 Gala will be announced in the Spring. 

Tickets

​Ticket Sales will start in the Spring.

Sponsor

The Annual HPILF Gala would not be possible without our sponsors! All sponsors that purchase one of our ticket packages will be featured at the event.

donate

Want to help the Hastings Public Interest Law Foundation without attending the Gala? Contribute to HPILF by donating to our organization directly or donating an item to be auctioned off at the Gala.