Weil Legal Innovators Program

The University of Chicago Law School is proud to be a part of the Weil Legal Innovators ("WLI") Program, a multi-stakeholder public service initiative established by international law firm Weil, Gotschal & Manges LLP.

Through the program, admitted students defer their first year of study to complete one year of public service at a WLI nonprofit partner organization. The program offers these rising law students a rare opportunity to work on some of the most pressing social and legal challenges at leading nonprofits. The Innovators will focus on issues of gender equality, human rights, racial justice, and ESG, among others.

Each Innovator will receive a $60,000 salary and full benefits package for their engagement. Upon starting law school, they will receive a $10,000 scholarship toward first-year academic tuition. Weil provides robust professional development and mentorship opportunities throughout the program. The nonprofit partners also receive a $40,000 charitable contribution to help cover operating expenses and costs associated with onboarding the Innovators.

Applications for the 2025-2026 WLI Program will open in January 2025. Read more about WLI and apply at the WLI website.