JD Distinguished Fellowship Program
American University Washington College of Law is proud to announce the creation of the JD Distinguished Fellowship Program. Due to the continuing economic climate, the current class has been uniquely affected by resulting challenges in the legal profession. The JD Distinguished Fellowship Program is one of many proactive steps taken by WCL to assist members of this graduating class. The fellowship program will provide short-term compensation for substantive legal work performed by graduates at external employers or WCL centers and programs. The program provides a mechanism for graduates to continue their legal training and network building while seeking full-time employment.
The fellowships will be determined by a selective process, with up to 25 fellowships available as follows: 23 fellowships will last no longer than eight months and will commence in the fall of 2011. The amount paid will be based on an hourly rate and actual work performed. Candidates must have positions lasting for at least four months to qualify for the program. Additionally, two year-long fellowships are available, one with the WCL Legal Rhetoric Program and the other with Asylum Access (more information about both fellowships is available on CareerLink). All fellowship recipients will receive compensation of up to $15,000 through the program.
To receive a JD Distinguished Fellowship, Class of 2011 JD graduates must have a commitment from an employer at the time of application. The employer may be for profit or non-profit, domestic or international. The work performed during the fellowship will be restricted to substantial legal work that enhances the candidate's career development as evaluated by the Fellowship Selection Committee.
Candidates and their employers will be subject to reporting requirements during the fellowship. If candidates have already secured partial funding from an employer, they are still eligible to apply for the JD Distinguished Fellowship if the annualized salary from the employer does not exceed $30,000.
Class of 2011 Application Information:
Candidates will be required to submit a resume and fellowship application to the Office of Career and Professional Development (OCPD) during the application period of May 16-27, 2011. Applications are available online and in OCPD on Friday, May 13. Awards are anticipated to be announced the week ending June 10.
