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November 26, 2007 | Vol. XI, Issue 15


The Florida Bar Foundation Legal Services Summer Fellowship Program for 1Ls & 2Ls, Summer of 2008

photoThe Florida Bar Foundation is sponsoring the 2008 Summer Fellowships Program at legal aid and legal services programs in Florida. These fellowships are also partly funded by Florida Lawyers’ Legal Insurance Corporation. It is expected that approximately 40 full-time fellowships for eleven weeks will be offered to first and second-year law students. Historically, UF Law students have fared quite well in securing these opportunities.

Fellowship stipends are $5,500 for first-year students and $7,000 for second-year students for the eleven week period. This is a full-time position for the summer.

Fellowship Purpose

  • To involve fellowship recipients in the provision of high-quality, significant civil legal assistance to the poor in critical areas of need.
  • To provide an in-depth educational experience in representing the poor and working with individual clients and client groups in civil matters.
  • To increase law student interest in and awareness of the legal problems of the poor and the challenges and satisfaction of representing the poor.
  • To promote commitment to pro bono representation of the poor.

Student Eligibility and Selection Criteria
First and second-year law students at accredited law schools are eligible to apply provided they are in good standing at school. Minority students are specifically encouraged to apply. Among the factors to be considered in selections are experience in working with the low-income community, academic achievement, writing skills, and pervious contact with and long-term commitment/interest in public service/pro bono work. Law student applicants will be provided an opportunity to specify program placement preference. Due to the necessity of insuring placement throughout Florida in a variety of programs and sites, student flexibility in preference sites may be a factor in selection.

Fellowship Term
The fellowship commences with a training and orientation seminar, prior to the fellowship (to be held May 16 and 16). Housing, meals, and reasonable travel expenses for the seminar will be provided. Fellows are scheduled to report to work on Monday, May 19, 2008, with the fellowship ending Friday, August 1, 2008.

Application and Selection
Fellowship applications are available in the Center for Career Services, 244 Bruton Geer Hall, or on The Florida Bar Foundation website at www.flabarfndn.org. Each applicant will be notified of receipt of a submitted application. Applications must be received at The Florida Bar Foundation, Post Office Box 1553, Orlando, Florida 32802, by Thursday, Jan. 17. If sending by U.S. mail be sure to postmark by Friday, January 11, 2008 or before to ensure receipt at the Foundation by Thursday, Jan. 17. Applications can be emailed to Maggie Hepworth at mhepworth@flabarfndn.org or sent via fax to 407-839-0287 by Jan. 17. Selection and notification to students will be completed by late February.

Downloads:
Summer Legal Services Fellowship Program Brochure
Summer Fellowship Program Description
Summer Fellowship Program Placement Sites
Summer Fellowship Application
2007 Summer Fellows Final Placements


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