Your guide to funding your summer work in public interest.
In 2021, students are eligible to earn:
Note: You must meet all deadlines and requirements of the Guaranteed Summer Funding (GSF) Program in order to receive funding.
1. Registration
All 1Ls are currently registered for GSF. To remain registered, please complete the requirements detailed on the Summer Funding CourseWorks page.
2Ls must register for GSF by completing the resume upload assignment on the Summer Funding CourseWorks page.
2L Registration closes at 11:59pm EST on November 30th. We encourage all students to register for GSF even if they are unsure that they will participate in 2021. You will not be permitted to register after this date.
2. Attend GSF 1L Mandatory Sessions
Complete the Mandatory Modules on CourseWorks (1Ls only)
3. Upload your Resume on Courseworks
4. Complete the FAFSA
Submit the 2021–2022 FAFSA by January 8 if you wish to participate in GSF. Once the FAFSA is complete, you must self report on Courseworks.
The FAFSA uses your 2019 federal tax data (if applicable). Your parent’s data is not required.
5. Secure a qualifying public interest or public service internship.
1. Attend the Public Interest Legal Career Reception.
Join fellow students and career advisers from SJI for this lively annual event that brings together students and representatives from numerous organizations and agencies working in public interest, government, and human rights. The event is held every September at Fordham Law School.
You do not need to R.S.V.P. or register for the reception in advance. Do not bring your résumé. Dress in business casual attire.
2. Meet with an SJI adviser.
Discuss your plan for finding a job for the summer. You can meet in person or over the phone. Schedule an appointment via Symplicity.
3. Register for the Public Interest Legal Career (PILC) Fair.
Registration opens December 1. Register for the PILC Fair by January 14 at 11:59 a.m. The fair, held at NYU every February, connects employers and students through interviews for internships and permanent jobs, as well as more informally at information tables. The 2020 fair will be held February 4-5. Students will be able to apply to interview with employers as soon as they register. Registration is free. This year, due to the difficulties associated with traveling to campus, and keeping the safety of our students and employers in mind, the 2021 Public Interest Legal Career Fair will be conducted virtually.
4. Review job search tools and resources.
These include the Public Interest Job Search Tools, other publications on SJI's website, and sites that list jobs (including PSJD and Symplicity).
5. Apply to summer internships.
Apply to 15–20 summer jobs. This number can include jobs you apply to interview for at the PILC Fair.
6. Apply to interview at the PILC Fair.
Submit applications by 11:59 a.m. on January 14. Note: If you want to be able to apply to interview with employers at the PILC Fair, you must be registered by January 14, 2021, at 11:59 a.m.
7. Register for the Mock Interview Program.
Participate in mock interviews with an attorney from a NYC metro area public interest or public service provider to prepare for summer job interviews. You will receive feedback on your interview skills, which will be helpful in preparing for the PILC Fair. Check the GSF Roadmap on CourseWorks for updated program dates and registration instructions.
Past interviewers have included lawyers from the ACLU, the Manhattan District Attorney's Office, and the Bronx Defenders.
8. Attend the PILC Fair.
1. Check the Public Interest Database to check to see if your placement qualifies for GSF.
If you’re unable to find your placement, please submit an Organizational Request Form (ORF) for approval.
2. Add your placement and supervisor information to LawNet.March 22nd is the last date to add placement and supervisor information to LawNet. After this date, your hire processing may be significantly delayed. If you have not received an offer by this time, email [email protected].
Check the GSF Roadmap on CourseWorks for instructions on how to add your placement and supervisor information to LawNet.
3. Complete the GSF Mandatory Payment Session Module on Courseworks.
Dates will be announced in February 2021.
Check the GSF Roadmap on CourseWorks for release of the module and an updated deadline date.
4. Complete Law School Human Resources Hiring Paperwork.
Columbia Law School Human Resources (HR) will send you hiring paperwork the week of March. Complete it as soon as possible and no later than one week after receiving. You will only receive hiring paperwork if you have completed all requirements. HR hiring paperwork submitted after the weeklong period may result in a delay in processing payments.
5. Complete I-9 paperwork and verify identification.
Complete the I-9 and verify your identification remotely. This step must be completed by April 2, 2021. Make sure you have the necessary documentation to verify your identification. List May 3 as your start date, regardless of when you will begin your internship. Law School Human Resources will send I-9 instructions the first week of April.
6. Submit your mailing address and placement start date.
Submit your mailing address and placement start date to the GSF Summer Contact Form in early May.
Check the GSF Roadmap on CourseWorks for the form link and updated deadline date.
7. Sign up for direct deposit.
If you have completed all necessary steps, Law School HR will email you a link to sign up for direct deposit.
8. Begin your job!
The earliest you can start your internship is May 3 .
9. Submit your first time sheet.
After your hiring paperwork is processed by Law School HR, you will be emailed a payment schedule and instructions on how to complete online time sheets.
Looking for more information? Email [email protected].
I’m a 1L, how do I stay registered for GSF?
Students must finish watching all four mandatory modules (Developing Your Legal Resume, Public Sector Job Search Strategies, Crafting Your Public Interest and Government Cover Letter, and Interviewing: Public Interest and Government) and upload a resume on Courseworks by November 30th. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure they have fulfilled the requirements to stay registered for GSF.
I accepted an internship placement that qualifies for GSF. What do I do next?
Starting on February 1st, you will 1. Visit LawNet and click on the Funding Registration tab and follow the prompts on the website. Watch this short video presentation for step-by-step instructions. 2. Update your LawNet profile with correct supervisor and employment information. 3. If you haven’t done so already, fill out the FAFSA (if you are a permanent U.S. resident or citizen). 4. Complete the spring GSF webinars. 5. Fill out the appropriate hiring paperwork sent by Law School Human Resources. For a list of all deadlines and expectations, please utilize the GSF Roadmap.
What if I cannot find my organization on LawNet?
Organizations that qualify for GSF are listed in the Public Interest Database on LawNet. If you do not see your organization listed there, fill out an Organization Request Form and submit it to [email protected] for approval.
Can someone help me find a summer job and look over my resume before I send out my summer applications?
Yes. Information regarding how to craft a resume and cover letter are covered in the mandatory modules and more assistance can be found in the Public Interest Toolkit. You can set up an appointment with an SJI advisor to discuss your job search process (Note: You will not have Symplicity access unless you’ve completed Mandatory Modules 1 and 2). In addition, you can submit your resume and cover letter for review through the 1L Public Interest Resume Portal.
Is there anything I need to do after completing my summer internship?
Yes. Fill out the Summer Evaluation form on Symplicity describing your summer experiences and the Exit Questionnaire on Campus Groups regarding your experience with GSF processes.
Should I fill out the 2021–2022 FAFSA even if I haven’t taken out any loans or other financial aid?
Yes. You may be eligible for work-study funding even if you have not previously taken out any loans or received other financial assistance. Most Columbia students who participate in GSF receive federal work-study funds as part/all of their summer funding.
Why should I fill out the 2021–2022 FAFSA?
Each year, a substantial portion of the funding for the GSF Program is provided through the Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program. Completing the FAFSA allows the Financial Aid Office to determine your eligibility for FWS. The Law School strongly encourages all student interns who are U.S. Citizens or eligible non-residents to file a 2021–2022 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with the federal government. Once processed, the Financial Aid Office will receive your FAFSA data electronically.
If I am not a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-resident, do I still need to submit the FAFSA?
No. Students who are not U.S. citizens or eligible non-residents do not need to fill out the FAFSA.
Will participating in GSF impact my financial aid package and loans for next year?
It depends on your individual situation. Federal regulations require that summer FWS funds be included as part of a student’s academic year resources. Your summer 2020 FWS allocation will be reflected in your award package for the upcoming academic year. As such, any summer FWS earnings will reduce your eligibility for educational student loans by the same amount. However, summer FWS awards will typically only impact students who plan to borrow the maximum educational loans for the academic year.
In the event that a borrower’s eligibility for student loans is potentially affected by GSF, the Financial Aid Office will work with each student individually to review their particular situation. In certain cases, students may be able to adjust their academic year budget to allow for additional borrowing to offset the FWS earnings (see below for LRAP considerations). If you are concerned about the impact of FWS on your 2021-22 loan borrowing, please contact the Financial Aid Office during the spring semester and prior to starting your internship. The Financial Aid staff is happy to review your individual situation and counsel you accordingly.
If my financial aid situation is reviewed and federal regulations allow the Financial Aid Office staff to adjust my academic year budget for additional borrowing to offset part/all of the FWS earnings, will this budget adjustment impact the educational loans covered by LRAP?
No. A budget adjustment approved by the Financial Aid Office to strictly offset a student’s FWS earnings for the GSF Program will not impact the Columbia Law School policy regarding eligible educational loan debt covered by LRAP.
Can I receive an advance for housing/travel needs?
No, but if you are concerned with your summer financial situation, we encourage you to speak with the Financial Aid Office staff before the end of the spring term. Social Justice Initiatives is able to offer some assistance with housing and relocation for 2L students who are working their second summer in public interest or public service. Contact Natalie Stephenson, Assistant Director of Operations, with any questions.
I’m concerned that GSF will not cover my summer expenses. What should I do?
Through GSF, students are paid for all hours worked at a rate of $22.50/ per hour (before taxes) for 8 weeks of work (40 work days) for 1Ls and 10 weeks of work (50 work days), given they complete all the requirements of the program. Typically, summer internships run from late May or early June through the second week of August. We encourage students to start budgeting early to take into consideration the portions of their summer not spent working (e.g., researching additional sources of funding to supplement GSF; applying for research assistant positions, applying for scholarships/fellowships that provide funding, setting aside a portion of spring semester earnings for the summer, etc.).
In addition, the Law School’s Financial Wellness page provides information on a range of resources.
If you are an international student working remotely outside of the U.S. for a U.S. organization, you have to complete CPT. However, if you are working remotely outside of the U.S. for a non-U.S. organization, you do not have to complete CPT. Please visit the Office of Registration Services’ website for instructions on how to complete CPT.
As of Fall 2020, most of the Social Security offices are closed, please email [email protected] for further instructions if you do not have a social security number.
Columbia Law School provides funding for 1L and 2L students who meet the requirements of the GSF program to work full-time in public interest and public service internships over the summer. Students must adhere to all of the deadlines and meet the requirements of the GSF program in order to receive funding.
Is there a minimum requirement of weeks I must work in order to receive GSF?
Yes, 1L GSF recipients must work full-time (35-40 hours/week) for eight weeks (40 work days) to receive full funding (before taxes), and 2L GSF recipients must work full-time for 10 weeks (50 work days) to receive full funding (before taxes).
I accepted a summer offer that is less than the applicable 8 weeks (for 1Ls)/10 weeks (for 2Ls) GSF Requirement. Am I still eligible to receive GSF?
If you obtain an internship that is shorter than the 8-week (1L) or 10-week (2L) GSF timeframe, we encourage you to seek an additional opportunity to supplement this position, so you are able to work a full GSF summer and maximize your experience. Please work with an SJI advisor if you need assistance securing additional positions. If, by the end of the spring semester, you have been unable to secure work for the entire 8 or 10 week period, please email [email protected] immediately.
Why do I have to take a break?
As a GSF recipient, you will be an hourly employee of Columbia University. A regular workday for Columbia University employees is generally 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with an hour break for lunch. Your break doesn’t necessarily need to be taken when you eat lunch, but you must take an hour-long break at some point during the day.
Will I be paid for hours spent at office social and networking events?
No. If you are not working or participating in a training, hours spent at social and networking events should not be recorded on timesheets. Students are encouraged to take full advantage of all opportunities provided by their summer host organizations. However, students will only receive compensation for hours worked.
My host organization can only guarantee me 35 hours a week over the summer. Am I still eligible to receive GSF?
Yes, you are still eligible to receive GSF. A full-time summer is generally 35-40 hours (depending on your host organization) with a required hour break.
Will I be compensated for extra hours I spend at my summer placement if I work more than 40 hours per week?
When you receive each work assignment, you should confirm with your supervisor the time expected to complete the assignment. In the event that you are expected to work in excess of the 40 hours/week requirement, your supervisor must seek prior approval for overtime compensation. Provided that happens, you will be paid for actual time worked. Please note that there may be a delay in receiving overtime compensation.
How do I request overtime hours?
Please have your supervisor email us at [email protected] to notify Law School HR that you will need to work overtime for that given week. Once your overtime hours have been approved by Law School HR, record any hours worked above 40 hours each week and submit the timesheet as you would regularly.
Who approves my overtime hours?
Your supervisor will receive a response from Law School HR approving or denying overtime requests.
If I work more than 40 hours per week, can I count those excess hours toward my Columbia pro bono requirement?
No. Students who work in excess of 40 hours per week will not receive pro bono credit for the extra time worked. Columbia pro bono credit accrues only for service in a week that you are not paid. You can receive pro bono credit for time worked beyond the required 8 or 10 weeks (see “General Questions”).
My host organization has asked me to start working in June/July. Am I still eligible for GSF?
Yes, your full number of GSF weeks (8 weeks for 1Ls and 10 weeks for 2Ls) begins on the start date given to you by your host organization. Note, however, that if your internship requests that you start before May 3, 2021, you must notify us at [email protected].
What is my ideal start date for my summer internship?
You may start your internship on or after May 3, 2021. There is no “ideal” start date, but you should speak to your host organization about your start date to ensure that any obligations at the end of the summer (e.g., Law Review orientation, Early Interview Week) do not interfere with you completing your full GSF summer (8 weeks for 1Ls and 10 weeks for 2Ls).
How will I receive my funding?
All GSF recipients are hourly employees of Columbia University. As an hourly employee, you will receive payment either by a paycheck or through direct deposit (if registered) on a bi-weekly basis for all hours worked.
In order to receive your paycheck, you must submit an online timesheet, approved by your supervisor, by the due date for each pay period. Your paycheck may be delayed if an incomplete or incorrect timesheet is submitted.
Can I get paid through direct deposit?
Columbia University offers the convenience of having paychecks directly deposited into an employee bank account. You can sign up for direct deposit safely and securely at my.columbia.edu after your hiring has been completed. Law School HR will send you direct deposit instructions once you’re eligible to sign-up. In the event that direct deposit is not available for your first paycheck, your information on the GSF Summer Contact Form must be accurate and updated as needed to ensure that you receive your paycheck at the correct address.
How do I submit my timesheets?
Timesheets must be completed online via NextGen. You will receive access to NextGen when your hiring has been completed. A supervisor is required to approve all timesheets.
How do I submit overtime hours?
If your overtime hours have been approved by Law School HR, record any hours worked above 40 hours each week and submit the timesheet as you would regularly via NextGen.
Who approves my timesheets?
One of your two supervisors (whose names were submitted to our office) must approve your timesheets online via NextGen.
When should I expect to receive my first payment?
Refer to the payment schedule provided by Law School HR towards the end of the spring semester to map out when you will receive your first payment. If your timesheets are submitted on time, you will receive bi-weekly payments for the timesheets submitted.
Will taxes and other withholdings be deducted from my paycheck?
Yes. Your funding through GSF is treated as taxable earnings and reported to the IRS by the university. Therefore, you are subject to tax withholdings and other deductions.
What do I do if I have trouble completing the timesheet or I believe my paycheck is incorrect?
You should email [email protected] and your issue will be directed to by the applicable department.
How can I make sure I receive funding in a timely fashion?
Complete your hiring paperwork by the given deadlines, enroll in the university’s payroll direct deposit and submit timesheets every two weeks by the given deadlines. [NOTE: This is a different direct deposit process than the university’s student account direct deposit system.]
How do I enroll in payroll direct deposit?
You will receive instructions from Law School HR by email about how to enroll in payroll direct deposit.
What happens if I do not enroll in the payroll direct deposit?
We strongly suggest that all students enroll in payroll direct deposit. It is the fastest, most efficient way to receive payments. If you are unable to enroll, your check will be mailed to the address you provide us in the GSF Summer Contact Form.
Is there an online system where I can view my paycheck?
Yes, you can view your paystub by logging in with your UNI at my.columbia.edu. Click on the “Faculty and Staff” tab to find a link to “View My Paycheck.”
How should I fill out my timesheet if I didn't work due to a holiday, sickness, or vacation?
You should not submit hours unless you worked on a certain day. As hourly employees, you're only paid for the days that you actually work. You may add an additional day at the end of your summer to make up for the holiday, but you should not fill out a timesheet for any days that you do not actually work.
Can I divide my time between two host organizations and still receive funding?
If you intend to work for two host public interest/public service organizations for a period that is longer than the full number of GSF weeks (8 weeks for 1Ls and 10 weeks for 2Ls), you are only eligible to receive funding through the end of the applicable 8/10 week period, and you are required to stop submitting timesheets when your applicable work period ends.
Under very limited circumstances and with prior approval, you may be able to receive GSF for your work at a public interest/public service organization if you work in the private sector for 20 days or less during the summer. To request approval, please email us at [email protected]. We encourage you to read Deciding Whether to Split Your Summer and speak with an SJI advisor prior to making your decision. However, if you work in the private sector for 21 days or more during the summer, you are not eligible to receive GSF for the public interest portion of your summer.
We remind you that all of your employment must be reported to the applicable Career Offices and that the relative autonomy of the legal profession carries with it special obligations of self-regulation as outlined in the Columbia Law School Bulletin. Any violation of these policies may subject you to discipline, declination to certify for admission to the Bar, and sharing of information about discipline with Bar admissions committees.
I have a full-time GSF placement and have also been asked to serve as a research assistant for a Law School professor. Can I do both?
Yes, but you will need to be paid via a manual process for the research assistant work, as those hours cannot be included in your GSF timesheet since research assistant positions do not count for GSF. Please contact [email protected] before you begin working, and they will provide you with further instructions.
What employers generally qualify for GSF?
International human rights work is funded by the Human Rights Internship Program (HRIP), which has different rules and requirements.
What employers generally do not qualify for GSF?
What types of host organizations are eligible under the expanded GSF Program for the Summer of 2021?
Students will be permitted to work in law-adjacent organizations for Summer 2021 if they are unable to find traditional legal internships. There are many non-legal organizations that do work in the public interest where knowledge of the law is helpful. Examples include work with professors, government entities, foundations, public interest (non-legal) organizations, and other nonprofits. These positions can provide students with a full and substantive summer internship experience and, for the Summer of 2021, they will be covered by GSF funding.
Note however, that students must obtain pre-approval from the GSF Program before accepting such positions. To seek approval for law-adjacent positions, please speak with an SJI advisor and then submit an organizational request form.
I accepted an RA position for the summer. What should I do?
In order to make sure that you're able to add your placement on LawNet, please fill out an Organizational Request Form. After receipt of and approval of your form, you'll receive a confirmation that you can add your placement to LawNet.
Am I allowed to apply for additional non-GSF funding sources?
Yes. GSF does not limit students’ ability to receive additional funding to subsidize their summers. Some organizations, foundations, and other funders offer additional support for summer work. Students can apply for funding from their host organization or from outside sources. See Other Summer Funding Opportunities for more information.
When is the Early Interview Program (EIP)? Will that affect my GSF if I choose to participate?
Students planning to participate in EIP should plan their internships accordingly. GSF requirements (eight weeks of work for 1Ls and 10 weeks of work for 2Ls) should be completed in late July prior to EIP; otherwise, students can make arrangements with their placement.
What if I plan to apply for Law Review?
Students should arrange their summer so that they are able to complete at least eight weeks in a placement organization before returning to school in mid-to-late July for Law Review Orientation.
Will my work at an organization this summer count for the New York State Pro Bono Requirement?
Your GSF-funded work will fulfill the 50-Hour Rule pro bono requirement provided it otherwise qualifies under the New York State Rule. The rule requires completion of 50 hours of qualifying pro bono work prior to filing for bar admission. For most students, the work you do during your GSF-funded summer will qualify for the New York 50-hour rule, but not for the Columbia Law School requirement (which mandates that the work must be uncompensated).
If you have any questions about whether your work is likely to qualify under the New York rule, contact [email protected] or visit the Court's website to read the full New York rule and FAQs.
Do I need to collect any paperwork from my host organization during the summer to get credit for the New York State Pro Bono requirement?
As soon as you have completed your placement, you should complete a Form Affidavit of Compliance, which includes a signature from your supervising attorney (who must be admitted in the jurisdiction where the work is being done). You must keep this original form in your files until you submit it along with your New York State Bar paperwork. While you should scan a copy in case you misplace the original, originals are required for your bar application.
What do I do if I plan to use the last week of my internship to complete the CLS Pro Bono Requirement?
Please do not submit timesheets for the period that you intend to use to fulfill the Pro Bono Requirement. You should manually keep track of your hours. After you've concluded your internship, you can log on to LawNet. Under the SJI section of “My Services,” click on “Pro Bono Status.” Click on “Fill Out Exit Questionnaire” to complete the Exit Questionnaire electronically. Once you have successfully completed your Exit Questionnaire, you will receive a prompt to send a Supervisor’s Report to your supervisor for completion.
You may also request a supervisor’s report by clicking on the “Action” button next to the relevant placement on your Pro Bono Status page and selecting “Request Supervisor’s Report.” Once your supervisor has signed off on your hours, the Pro Bono Office staff will review, confirm the last day your timesheets were submitted for GSF, and approve them once finalized.
You do not need to inform the GSF staff in advance if you intend to use the last week(s) of your internship to fulfill the Pro Bono Requirement. If you have questions about filling out the LawNet forms, please email [email protected].
Pro bono hours will not be credited until both mandatory forms (Exit Questionnaire and Supervisor’s Report) have been submitted and approved by SJI. Both the Exit Questionnaire and Supervisor’s Report must be submitted within 30 days of project completion, whether for mandatory or voluntary credit.