Student Professional Development Fund

The Pitt Law Student Professional Development Fund assists Pitt Law's JD students in their search to find employment and supports their participation in professional development opportunities, unique learning experiences, educational programming, and job interviews, that will help students explore their career options. 

Students must apply at least 3 business days before the event to be considered for reimbursement. After the event has concluded, students also must complete a Post-Event Expense Form along with receipts within 10 business days AFTER attending the qualifying event to receive reimbursement.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Pitt Law offers professional development funds to qualified JD law students for the purpose of attending professional development events and career fairs.

The PDO provides student reimbursement at a maximum of $250 per student per academic year. For academic year 2023-2024, the Student Professional Development Fund will make a total of $5,000 in professional development funds available to students.

You can request funding support for travel expenses including transportation and lodging expenses such as airfare, hotel, ground transportation, gas reimbursement, or mileage reimbursement on a personal vehicle in lieu of gas reimbursement as well as event-related expenses such as registration or enrollment fees. 

Clothing, Food/Meals, including drinks and groceries, Entertainment/Excursion costs (e.g., city tours), Passport fees, Health insurance, Cell phone, internet, or personal communication bills, and other unallowable expenses will not be reimbursed.

Funds are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis during each semester; therefore, students are encouraged to identify and seek reimbursement for professional development events as early as possible and while funds remain available.

Yes, but please contact the PDO well in advance of applying so that we can ensure that the proper application process is followed and so there is not a delay in receiving your reimbursement. 

No. All funding is by post event reimbursement only. There are NO exceptions as this is University protocol.

The University’s Payment Processing Department generally takes three to four weeks to process payment.