After your first year, several options are available for service to the community and for work-related funding. These include:
- Volunteer support
- Veteran and military funding
- Federal work study
- Law School research assistantships (RAs)
- Student academic appointments (SAAs)
- Regular hourly work
Volunteer support
Each year, law students volunteer to support the Law School's mission. This service is crucial to the functioning of the Law School and to help to make Baier Hall a welcoming and supportive environment.
In order to recognize students for the time and effort they contribute, the school awards small scholarships. Students who serve as practice group advisors, Writing fellows, admissions and international student ambassadors, and project coordinators often receive such recognition. Normally, the Leonard D. Fromm Office for Student Affairs contacts students early in the spring semester to advise them of volunteer opportunities for the upcoming academic year.
Veteran and military funding
IU's Center for Veteran and Military Students is the best resource for learning about the types of funding a veteran or an active member of the military may be eligible to receive. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website also provides a wealth of helpful information to former service members. IU also offers family support grants to eligible students.
Federal work study
Federal work study is a government program that provides a wage subsidy to student workers. The Law School fills several positions each year for work study– eligible 2Ls and 3Ls. These positions include placement with Indiana Legal Services, District 10 Probono Project, and the Career Services Office. Openings are typically posted in Careernet shortly before spring break each year. If you are unsure if you are eligible for work study, please contact the Law School's Financial Aid Office.
Law School research assistantships (RAs)
In order to support the Law School's research mission, professors enlist law students to support their research efforts. These students are paid an hourly wage for their work. Students who are interested in working as an RA can find openings in Indiana Law Annotated, in Careernet, or by contacting the faculty member they are interested in supporting.
Student academic appointments (SAAs)
Baier Hall rests on the southwest corner of a much larger campus. Some of IU’s many academic and administrative departments hire graduate students as academic appointees. SAAs typically are compensated with fee remission, stipends, and health insurance. The Grad Grants Center, IU Jobs, and the campus employment page are good places to search for openings. On the IU Jobs site, students can search the term “stipend” or “fee remission” to try to draw out relevant postings. Students who wish to work for a specific department might consider sending them a résumé and letter of introduction directly.
Student Employment
Working as a first-year student
1L students are permitted to take part-time jobs during the school year, but doing so will be inadvisable for many students. 1L students may work at part-time jobs no more than 10 hours per week during either the first or second semester of their 1L year. 1L students who do choose to take on part-time positions should notify the Office of Student Affairs by contacting the Dean of Students or Director of Student Affairs.
Working as a second- or third-year or continuing degree student
2L, 3L, and continuing joint degree students are permitted to take part-time jobs during the school year. 2L, 3L, and continuing joint degree students may work at part-time jobs no more than 20 hours per week during any semester in which the student is enrolled in more than 12 class hours. Students interested in part-time positions should review postings on CareerNet and consult with the Career Services Office.