Who are we?

The Hastings Public Interest Law Foundation (HPILF) is a student organization at the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. 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.

For over 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! ​

Meet some of our HPILF 2021 grant recipients!

Morgan Kay Zamora, Root & Rebound "This past summer, I had the amazing opportunity to provide reentry services to clients throughout the state of California. HPILF's support allowed me the means to join Root & Rebound to aid in serving those who have been most impacted by the carceral system. I cannot emphasize enough how grateful I am to HPILF for ensuring that students like myself are able to help those most marginalized and vulnerable communities reintegrate into society."

Stephanie Yim, Sacramento County Public Defender: "The HPILF Grant allowed me to provide legal assistance to indigent defendants in Sacramento County. I was able to connect clients with resources in jail and represent them in court during one of the toughest times in recent human history. I will be forever grateful for HPILF's support."

Sergio Dimas, "I interned with Children’s Law Center of California this past summer. I had the incredible opportunity to work with children in the Los Angeles dependency court system who had immigration needs. I was able to interview some clients, draft motions and declarations, and fill out a variety of immigration forms. After this experience I remain interested in immigration work, but am still exploring other fields including criminal, environmental, and government work."

Stephanie Gonzalez, Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project "This past summer I worked for Esperanza providing removal defense services to unrepresented immigrants. This work is so important because without organizations like Esperanza, this community of immigrants would be forced to choose between paying an attorney they can’t afford or navigating a complicated immigration system alone. I am so grateful to HPILF for supporting my work this summer. Because of it, I was able to be the best immigration advocate."

Nora Sullivan, "This past summer, I traveled Anchorage, Alaska to work for the Public Defender Agency. I appeared on behalf of clients at bail hearings, change of pleas, and arraignments. I was assigned my own misdemeanor cases where I met with clients, developed case theories, worked on plea negotiations, and prepped for trial. I wouldn’t have been able to work from such a beautiful place without the support of HPILF."

Thank you to everyone who participated in HPILF’S 37th Annual Gala!

Information about the HPILF's 38th Annual Gala will be announced in the Spring.