The directors of the EJW and Skadden Fellowships will be holding virtual information sessions on March 19 and April 2 respectively. It is mandatory for you to attend these information sessions if you plan to apply for these fellowships. You are afforded the important opportunity to meet one-on-one with the fellowship directors. Please come prepared for those meetings. For assistance drafting your proposals or deciding which fellowship is right for you, set up an appointment with Judy Murciano or attend Judy’s drop-in hours.

• Equal Justice Works Info Session - Tuesday, March 19 at 12:30
• Skadden Fellowship Information Session - Tuesday, April 2 at 12:30

Searching for post-graduate job opportunities can feel daunting – or even overwhelming. We can help you get started by breaking down the process into more manageable chunks. Here are the four primary ways to search for entry-level job opportunities.

While the public sector is extremely varied, most employers are looking for a core set of skills. These are skills you may already have and should continue to develop during law school through internships, clinics, and coursework.

Location: Washington, D.C.
Deadline: May 25, 2024
Learn more about the Summer Law Clerk position.

We strongly encourage you to apply for fellowships to support the work that excites you. Because many fellowships require you to pursue a project with a host organization and some fellowships have very early deadlines, it is important to begin preparing NOW.

While you may have just finalized your internship plans for this summer, we know that many of you are already thinking ahead to 2L summer and weighing the pros and cons of spending it in the private sector. In this post, we offer some thoughts you may find helpful as you consider whether to participate in the Early Interview Program (EIP).

Because many fellowships require you to pursue a project or position with a host organization and some fellowships have early deadlines, it is important to begin preparing during your 2L spring for the fellowship application process.

We are often asked by students interested in public service work about how to weigh their wide-ranging academic options while in law school. This advice is meant to offer broad guidance on the choices you may be contemplating. Please note that it is impossible to truly provide “one-size-fits-all” advice — if you have questions about particular options and how they might relate to your career plans, be sure to seek out an OPIA adviser. 

OPIA has compiled a few key dates that may be useful as you plan your summer internships and other commitments.

We know it may seem early to start thinking about your post-graduate job search as a 2L. However, your 2L spring is the best time to check out our 3L Guide to Entry-Level Post-Graduate Jobs, start monitoring fellowship and entry-level job deadlines, and make an appointment with an OPIA adviser to position you for success in your search.

If you haven’t yet secured an internship for this summer, don’t panic. There are still public interest employers that are actively hiring in March and even in April. If you put in the effort, apply broadly, and remain persistent, you WILL find a summer job.

If you have secured employment, please take a minute to complete the Graduate Employment Survey in CSM. The ABA requires all law schools to report the employment outcomes for its graduates pursuant to ABA Standard 509(b). The information you provide will be reported in the aggregate, will not be shared with anyone, and will allow us to comply with this ABA requirement.

If you are unsure of your start date, so that you can complete the survey, you may enter an estimated date and note in the survey that it is approximate. The Office of Career Services will follow up with you later in the spring for an updated start date.

If you have questions or concerns about your summer job search, please make an appointment or visit our daily drop-in office hours. Advisers are available to help with whatever job search questions you may be facing.

The bidding period for public sector employers through the Virtual Spring Interview Program is now open!

Networking is an essential part of getting to know the world of public interest law. But sometimes, it can feel intimidating to approach a potential contact, or hard to know where to plug in and get started. Review this Q&A to help make networking a smoother part of your professional journey.

One of the toughest parts of a public interest job search is managing the timeline. The lack of a unified, consistent hiring timeline by public interest employers and the fact that every individual’s situation differs can complicate the search process. Consider the following tips about communicating with employers as you navigate interviews and offers.

Mark your calendars for OPIA's annual Public Interest Networking Reception, being held virtually on Wednesday, January 17, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. ET. More details, including a link to register and list of participants, will be provided in early January. We hope to see you there!

The International Legal Studies Postgraduate Fellowships fund a recent HLS graduate to clerk or intern in an international or foreign/supernational court or tribunal. Applicants should highlight their demonstrated interest in international or transnational law and how this fellowship would be significant for their career trajectory. If an applicant is unsure regarding eligibility of their host, they are encouraged to reach out directly to Andre Barbic (abarbic@law.harvard.edu) at ILS. 

HLS may nominate one ICJ Fellow each year who seeks to deepen their understanding of international law and the Court’s processes. Among the 3 letters of recommendation, JDs/LLMs should choose international law faculty who can attest to applicant’s strong academic record and research and writing skills. CV/resume should highlight publications and exposure to complex litigation. Relevant writing sample under 15 pgs. should demonstrate facility with legal analysis and evidence. Some French proficiency expected. Sign up for advising with Judy Murciano by making a Fellowship appointment.

The DAG Fellowship seeks students and clerks with a commitment to community/movement lawyering demonstrated through clinical work and organizing. Project proposals should highlight innovative, impactful, sustainable social justice change and community buy-in.

Besides acquiring a host letter from a non-profit organization, applicants should choose 2 letters of recommendation: preferably at least one from Harvard clinical faculty. Sign up for a Fellowship Advising appointment in advance of submission to CARAT.

Follow these key tips for PSVF Organization-Based Fellowship applications.