Employment

Work study

On-campus employment

• Positions available at the law school and university-wide
• Available as need-based federal work study or through institutional work study (non-need-based)
• Up to 20 hours per week when enrolled half-time or more
• Pay: $19.97/hour
• Entering students have priority for most jobs

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Washington State Work Study Program

• Helps continuing students secure off-campus, career-related jobs so they can earn money while getting a head start in career preparation
• Only Washington state residents are eligible. Not eligible for students who moved to state to attend school
• Need-based
• Gross pay is deducted from your total financial aid award amount
• 19 hours/week maximum during fall, spring semester
• 40 hours/week maximum during winter/spring breaks and after exam period is finished
• Pay: $12 to $25 per hour, depending on the type of position secured
• See 2024-25 State Work Study (PDF)

Important note: Do not presume that you will be awarded state work study even if you are awarded federal work study after your first year. The state program residency and need criteria are different and funding is limited.

State Work Study information for continuing law students

If you are awarded State Work Study (SWS) for the 2023-2024 academic and financial aid year, eligible law students may use SWS from May 18, 2023 until end of May 2024 (unless you are graduating and if so it ends May 14, 2024). Depending upon expenditures, there is a chance the last day to work could be May 1 - if so, you will be notified. If you do not activate SWS by March 1, it may be canceled.

You may only work 19 hours per week while classes are in session during fall and spring terms. You may work up to 40 hours per week during winter and spring breaks and after the entire exam period is over (as noted in the Registrar’s Academic Calendar).

If awarded SWS for 2023-2024 you must complete an Employer Referral Agreement (ERA) once you are hired by a SWS approved employer. Even if you are continuing to work for the same employer the next year and are awarded SWS again, you must sign another ERA for that academic year.

Please refer to 2024-25 State Work Study (PDF) for information about SWS.

SWS is a need-based employment program. Based on time sheets submitted to our office, the gross pay you earn is deducted in full from your award amount. Employers are reimbursed a percentage of your gross earnings by the State of Washington. Due to our limited allotment and SWS need and policy regulations, the awarding criteria are very strict. Washington residents may petition to be awarded SWS or you may petition for a limited SWS increase. However, additional funding will depend upon funding expenditures to date, potential allotment increases from the State and your remaining eligibility for more SWS aid.

Notes:

SWS funding is designed to offer minimal part-time work in a student’s field of study but cannot sustain a comprehensive employment situation.

A student is considered an out-of-state resident if they moved to Washington to attend school - they must have moved to Washington one year prior to attending school for a purpose other than attending school. (RCW 28B.15.012).

Law-related jobs

• Jobs at law firms, agencies, corporations, nonprofits and in other organizations are routinely posted by the Center for Professional Development, which also coordinates on-campus interviews.