Deadline: March 16, 2026
Applications are open for the Weil Legal Innovators (WLI) Program 2026-2027. 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 leading 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 year, Innovators drive forward strategic initiatives that promote social justice, expand access to legal resources, and strengthen communities. This program allows participants to apply their passion for service while sharpening their skills and helping nonprofits deepen their impact.
Benefits
- $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.
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).
Application
The Weil Legal Innovators application includes six components: A completed WLI application form, proof of acceptance to and intention to attend one of the WLI law school partners*, resume, two letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a project proposal for your desired first and second choice WLI nonprofit initiative.
*In the circumstance that an applicant is still deciding between two or more WLI law school partners by the application deadline, the program will accept an official letter of acceptance to a partner law school in lieu of a letter of intent to attend and/or proof of a deposit. However, a letter of intent to attend and/or proof of a deposit to one of the WLI law schools must be submitted by the time the Innovator accepts their offer to participate in the Weil Legal Innovators program.
For more information, visit Weil Legal Innovators (WLI) Program.
