Pitt Law · Student-led nonprofit

Making public interest law possible.

PLISF supports University of Pittsburgh School of Law students who choose internships and careers serving communities too often overlooked by the legal profession.

Explore our mission Connect with PLISF

A foundation built by students.

For more than three decades, PLISF has helped turn a commitment to service into practical opportunity. It remains rooted at Pitt Law and guided by students who believe financial barriers should not determine who can pursue public interest work.

Years of recognition

Recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) public charity since May 1, 1989.

30+

Annual auctions

A longstanding community tradition supporting public interest opportunities for Pitt Law students.

Student-led community

Known as Pitt Law’s largest student-run public interest organization.

A legal career in service of others should be within reach.

Our mission

Investing in public interest advocates.

PLISF raises funds to support Pitt Law students pursuing public interest legal work, especially work that serves people and communities traditionally underserved by the legal profession.

Opportunity
Help students take meaningful public interest placements that may otherwise be financially out of reach.

Service
Strengthen pathways into legal careers centered on communities, fairness, and access to justice.

Community
Bring Pitt Law students, alumni, faculty, and supporters together around a shared public mission.

Community-powered fundraising.

PLISF’s work has grown through accessible, student-centered traditions—from everyday snacks to signature events and long-term support for public interest careers.

Monday–Thursday

Student Lounge Snack Table

A familiar campus tradition where small everyday purchases add up to meaningful support for public interest students.

Fall tradition

Game Night

A community gathering that combines student connection, friendly competition, and fundraising for the foundation’s mission.

Signature event

Annual Auction

PLISF’s flagship fundraising tradition has brought together the Pitt Law community for more than thirty editions.

Career support

LRAP Support

Support for loan repayment assistance efforts helps make sustained public interest legal careers more attainable.

A lasting Pitt Law tradition.

PLISF began with students helping peers and continues through the same belief: collective action can make public service a viable legal path.

1989

Pitt Law students establish the foundation; IRS recognition follows on May 1.

Campus life

Student-led fundraising becomes part of everyday life at the Barco Law Building.

2019

The PLISF community marks its 30th anniversary.

Today

The mission endures: supporting the next generation of public interest lawyers.

Organization details

Legal namePitt Legal Income Sharing Foundation

AbbreviationPLISF

Federal EIN25-1555403

Tax status501(c)(3) public charity

IRS recognitionMay 1, 1989

Registered address

Care ofPLISF

Address3900 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15260-6900

LocationBarco Law Building
University of Pittsburgh School of Law

This site presents organizational information and history. It does not provide legal advice.

Public interest begins with opportunity.

Students, alumni, faculty, and community supporters all have a role in sustaining public interest law at Pitt.

Contact PLISF

Pitt Legal Income Sharing FoundationBarco Law Building

3900 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15260-6900

[email protected]