THE PASSION AND SKILL TO MAKE A CHANGE

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 our 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, Innovators drive forward strategic initiatives that promote social justice, expand access to legal resources, and strengthen communities – applying their passion for service and sharpening their skills, all while helping nonprofits deepen their impact.

Applications for the 2026-2027 Weil Legal Innovators Program are now closed. Applications for the next cycle will open in winter 2026.

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WHY BE A WEIL LEGAL INNOVATOR?

Complex business and societal problems require the knowledge and skillset of culturally fluent professionals to help solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Lawyers with experience across multiple industries and sectors bring transferable skills that help to differentiate them over the course of their professional careers.

The Weil Legal Innovators Program helps rising law students:

Engage in leading social and legal impact initiatives that are moving the needle domestically and internationally

Understand the growing intersection between the public and business sectors

Establish meaningful relationships with influential leaders in the nonprofit and legal industry

Broaden professional skills and obtain a professional advantage before beginning a law school career

HOW DO YOU WANT TO INNOVATE?

Innovators collaborate with senior leaders to drive meaningful change across a diverse range of organizations at the forefront of social impact and contribute to initiatives spanning the following thematic areas: civil and human rights, criminal justice reform, environmental conservation and sustainability, child welfare reform, food insecurity, financial empowerment, poverty alleviation, and education access.

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