Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the Compensation Structure of the Fellowship?
    Fellowship applicants are eligible for compensation of up to $15,000. Payments will be made on a bi-weekly basis for work completed during the previous two weeks. Compensation is based on the assumption that recent graduates will work up to 27 hours per week at an hourly rate of $17.36. The duration of the assignment will determine the actual amount paid. For projects spanning the entire eight months, the graduate will receive approximately $15,000 if he/she works for 27 hours during each of the 32 weeks. For projects with a shorter duration, the graduate will receive payment based on the actual hours worked.
  • What if I Secure a Permanent Position During the Fellowship?
    The JD Distinguished Fellowship Program is designed to keep graduates competitive in the job market. WCL fully anticipates that some fellowship recipients may find permanent work during the duration of the fellowship. In that situation, the fellowship will terminate upon ample notice to the employer and completion of pending work assignments. A final payment will be distributed for the number of hours worked.
  • Is There a Cost of Living Adjustment For Geographic Location?
    There will not be any "cost of living" adjustments based on geographic location.
  • Am I Still Eligible to Apply if My Hours Do Not Meet the Stated Maximum?
    Fellows will be compensated based on the total number of hours worked at the hourly rate stated above. Therefore, if a graduate secures a commitment from an employer for only 10 hours per week, the total amount paid will not equal the full $15,000 even if he/she works for eight months.
  • Am I Considered an "Employee" of Either the Employer or WCL?
    For the duration of the fellowship, graduates are considered employees of WCL. This applies regardless of whether the commitment is from a WCL program/center or external entity. Employers should be instructed to consider fellowship recipients as "unpaid interns" and they should be internally managed as such. The employer must commit to provide up to 27 hours per week of substantive legal work for a mutually-determined duration of at least four months but not to exceed eight months. During the fellowship, graduates will be placed on the WCL payroll and all applicable taxes will be withheld from bi-weekly payments. If the graduate is receiving partial funding from another source, the graduate should consult with that source to determine his or her "employee" status for those funds.
  • Will I Receive Health Care Benefits as a Fellow?
    Fellowship recipients will not receive health care benefits from either the employer or WCL. Health care costs should be considered when determining whether to apply for this program.
  • What is Considered "Substantial Legal Work"?
    The JD Distinguished Fellowship Program is designed for graduates to accept temporary employment that will advance their career development. The Fellowship Selection Committee will review fellowship applications for project descriptions that will enhance the recipient's resume. There is no requirement that the applicant be "practicing law." While direct services legal work would certainly qualify, policy work and other similar initiatives may also be permitted. However, administrative office work and professor assistant work is explicitly prohibited.

    Applicants are welcome and encouraged to discuss the nature of their work in advance of applying. Please email careerdevelopment@wcl.american.edu with a detailed description of the potential work commitment. The Fellowship Selection Committee will determine whether it meets minimum qualifications for "substantial legal work."
  • Can I Apply if I am also Pursuing a WCL LL.M. Degree?
    WCL will offer a 50% discounted tuition for 2011 JD graduates who wish to pursue an LL.M. degree at WCL in the Fall 2011 or Spring 2012. Graduates who pursue the LL.M. tuition discount are not eligible for the JD Distinguished Fellowship Program given that the fellowships are designed for graduates seeking work.
  • My Law Firm Has Deferred My Start Date - May I Apply?
    The JD Distinguished Fellowship Program is designed for graduates who continue to seek employment. The Fellowship Selection Committee will consider applications from deferred law firm associates only if the applicant is receiving no compensation from the firm during the deferral period (from the date of graduation through the deferred start date), including living allowances and bar stipends. The Fellowship Selection Committee reserves the right to request supporting documentation from the applicant.
  • Who are the Members of the Selection Committee?
    Dean Grossman will appoint the Fellowship Selection Committee which will review all applications prior to naming any recipients of the fellowship.
  • I Still Have Questions. Who May I Contact?
    Applicants are welcome and encouraged to contact the Office of Career & Professional Development with any questions. Please email careerdevelopment@wcl.american.edu with detailed questions. Your message will be directed to the appropriate administrator for a response.