WHAT IS PILA?

"The goals of social and economic justice can only be achieved through committed effort. All segments of society are of course essential to this effort, but one of the most effective contributions will be that made by lawyers."

Justice Thurgood Marshall

PILA is one of the largest and most active student organizations at the UW School of Law. Through an annual benefit auction and other activities, PILA funds summer grants, the creation of a loan repayment assistance program, and educational and networking opportunities for students to generate enthusiasm for public interest law and encourage law students to serve others and make a difference.

Whether through pro bono activities or as a full-time career, public service is one of the most exciting, challenging, and rewarding opportunities that come with a law degree. With support from friends in the law school and the community, PILA will continue to ensure that future lawyers recognize this opportunity and seize it.

Mission
The Public Interest Law Association at the University of Washington is a non-profit, student-run organization dedicated to promoting legal work that serves the public and improves the quality of life for individuals in our community and elsewhere. To this end, PILA raises awareness about the need for and rewards of pro bono and full-time public interest legal work, advocates for public interest training and creates opportunities for law students and attorneys to combine their legal skills with passion and optimism in jobs that exemplify lawyers capacity to make a difference.

Vision
PILA fosters a powerful alliance of students, practitioners, faculty and administrators who share a commitment to law that serves the public good.

Values
We believe

  • The law is a tool for social change
  • Everyone should have access to the legal system
  • Pro bono services are a valuable asset to the community
  • Public interest clinical practice experience is fundamental to a legal education
  • A legal education is a privilege that should be shared
  • Lawyers have a professional responsibility to give back to the community through pro bono work