Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Postgraduate Fellowships:
Information and Resources

Postgraduate public interest fellowships enable recent graduates to secure entry level positions with nonprofit organizations, government entities, and educational institutions. Typically, fellowships are term-limited opportunities (one to two years) designed to give a recent law graduate or junior attorney experience in public interest practice. A small number of law firms offer public interest fellowships as well. The PSLawNet job database includes over 250 fellowship listings.

Fellows are able to use their legal skills to effect positive change for disadvantaged populations and/or society in general. They generally receive top-rate training and supervision. Also, many organizations use fellowships as a point of entry to continued employment. And, because application processes are so competitive, a fellowship is an impressive credential. So even if continued employment with a host organization does not materialize, a fellow has a strong professional foundation on which to build.

For FAQs on fellowships, go to PSLawNet here. A fellowship deadline calender (many deadlines are in the fall) is here.

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