Introduction
Fellowships are a great opportunity to obtain valuable experience in a particular area of practice. They generally have a finite duration (one to two years) and include a salary. There are several different types of fellowships:
- Organizational - The applicant has a project in mind and obtains the sponsorship of an organization (e.g. Equal Justice Works Fellowship, Skadden Fellowships)
- Project-based - The fellow is placed with a particular organization (e.g. Women's Law & Public Policy Fellowship Program, ACLU Legal Fellowships)
- Teaching - The fellowship is tied to work in the academic or clinical setting (e.g. The George Sharswood Fellowship, The Ludwig Fellowship)
This guide provides resources to help both law students and law graduates find available fellowship opportunities.
When Should You Think About Fellowships?
- During your 1L year, as you look ahead.
- During your 2L summer, if you want to apply for fellowships whose deadlines are in September.
- During your 3L fall, if you want to apply for fellowships whose deadlines in the fall.
- Throughout your 3L year, as opportunities arise.
- After graduation, if you are in a clerkship or you want to change focus after your first job. Many organizations welcome applications from recent graduates.