Annual Public Interest Law Society (PILS) Auction

PILS Auction

Please join us for the 28th Annual Public Interest Law Society Auction in March 2023!

The 28th annual PILS auction will be taking place on Friday, March 31st, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Thurgood Marshall Gallery of Swen Parson Hall. If you are unable to attend in person, please bid on items in our online auction.

The Public Interest Law Society (PILS) auction is an annual student-run event that raises money for outreach assistantships awarded to innovative, enthusiastic and dedicated students at NIU College of Law who work in unpaid public interest legal positions. 

Through their work these students aid underrepresented individuals who cannot afford legal services through conventional methods. In the past students have worked with victims of domestic violence, immigrants and refugees, juveniles, the homeless and those falsely accused of committing crimes. 

These outreach assistantships benefit both our students and the community. Our students receive valuable legal experience and clients receive legal assistance they desperately need.   

We begin the event with a silent auction and then take hotly contested items to a live auction! We strongly encourage you to contribute to this great cause and help provide NIU College of Law students an opportunity to pursue their goal of working in the public interest.

PILS Newsletter

Volume 8, issue 1 (2020)

Interested in Participating?

We welcome both monetary and in-kind contributions. Scholarships are also funded through advertisements in our auction booklet. Learn more from our contribution and advertising registration form (PDF).

Past donations include:

  • One-night stay at Waldorf Astoria Chicago.
  • Tickets to Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Sky.
  • Tickets to the Joffrey Ballet.
  • Guest passes to Chicago History Museum and Shedd Aquarium.
  • Lake Geneva cruise getaway.

Thanks to Our Sponsors

We are proud to partner with sponsors whose support provides law students with memorable and meaningful opportunities. If you or your organization is interested in supporting PILS, complete our contribution and advertising registration form (PDF).

Testimonials

"Over the summer, I interned at with the City of Rockford Legal Department. With my time at the City of Rockford, I learned how to draft municipal law. Additionally, I was able to facilitate and prosecute cases at Administrative Code Hearings for the City. The money I received from PILS allowed me to be able to enjoy my unpaid internship. The stipend payed for my transportation to and from my internship as well as my bills over the summer. "Mercedes Boykin, Class of 2021

"This past summer I interned at the McLean County State’s Attorney’s Office in Bloomington, Illinois. Not only did I gain invaluable experience, but I was also able to see how the state can help impact struggling members of our community. Most notably, I was able to see how McLean County’s Drug Court program can help people struggling with addiction, and how the program provides resources for these people to get back on their feet. I am grateful for the Public Interest Law Society for its financial assistance this summer. Without their help, it would have been difficult for me to pursue my passion in public interest."Spencer Chikahisa, Class of 2020

Contact Us

Admissions
Swen Parson Hall 151
815-753-8595
law-admit@niu.edu
Dean's Office
Swen Parson Hall 270
815-753-1068

Ask the Dean