Stanford Law School has established the Deborah L. Rhode Public Interest Award to be awarded annually to a graduating J.D. student or team of students who has demonstrated outstanding non-scholarly public service during law school. These materials describe the nature and purpose of the award, the nomination process and the selection criteria.

• The Deborah L. Rhode Public Interest Award recognizes graduating students whose activities have resulted in outstanding contributions to underrepresented groups or public interest causes outside of the Law School; and/or outstanding public service within the Law School. Preference is given to local activities. Projects need not be law-related but, in the event of a tie, preference will be given to law-related projects.
• There is an award of up to $3,500 per person (amount to vary depending on the number of recipients). The selection committee may name more than one recipient. All nominees must be graduating third-year law students. Individuals or teams of students may be nominated by other students, faculty, staff, or self-nominated.
• The award is given on the basis of merit; thus, all graduating third-year students who meet the award criteria, regardless of financial need, are eligible.
• The nomination must include a written statement of no more than 2 pages per nominator describing the public service that the student or team has initiated or furthered during law school. Nominators who wish to compile “testimonials” from multiple people may exceed the 2 page limit.
• Nominations will be evaluated on the following criteria: (1) demonstrated commitment to long-term institutional vision and change; (2) depth and breadth of activities; (3) demonstrated initiative and leadership; (4) demonstrated mentoring of fellow students to serve the public good.
• Nominations for the award will be reviewed and the recipient(s) selected by a committee of alumni who are past recipients of the Deborah L. Rhode Award.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF NOMINATION FORMS AND SUPPORTING STATEMENTS IS 11:59 p.m. Monday, April 8, 2024.