

Law Students
Regional Public Interest Awards
Each year, the Equal Justice Works National Advisory Committee presents eight law students throughout the country with a Regional Public Interest Award. Chosen for their innovation, impact, and commitment to public interest law, each of the students selected is recognized for providing extraordinary service through clinics, volunteer work, internships, and more. Recipients of the Regional Public Interest Awards will receive a $250 cash prize and commemorative plaque.
If you have any questions about the Regional Public Interest Awards, or if you would like to nominate an extraordinary public interest law student for the award in your region, please email our team at [email protected].
Applications for 2023 are not yet open—check back soon for more information. Learn more about the 2022 Regional Public Interest Award Winners.
2022 Award Winners


Lauren Cook
Campbell University, Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law, South Region

Maggie Belcher
Michigan State University College of Law, Midwest Region

Grace Wynelle Thomas
University of Texas School of Law, Southwest Region

Aranda Stathers
Pennsylvania State University, Dickinson Law, Mid-Atlantic Region

Claire Comey
Washington University in Saint Louis School of Law, Mountain Region

Victoria Bonds
Loyola Law School Los Angeles, Pacific Region

Darcy Guio
Hofstra University School of Law, Northeast Region
RSLC allowed me to return to my community and provide vital legal services after Hurricane Harvey.
Ana Laurel /
2018 Rural Summer Legal Corps Student Fellow