Job Description
The Women's Law and Public Policy Fellowship Program at Georgetown University offers Fellowships for public interest lawyers from across the United States who are committed to advancing women's rights throughout their careers. During the Fellowship year, participants gain invaluable experience by working on women's issues in Washington, D.C. with a public interest organization or governmental agency and by participating in educational and professional development opportunities provided by WLPPFP. The deadline for applications for the 2009-2010 Women’s Law and Public Policy Fellowship Program is October 31, 2008.
The Fellowships are determined each year based upon several factors, including the interests of the top Fellowship candidates, the potential placement organizations, and the donors supporting the Fellowships. Since the establishment of the Program, WLPPFP has been fortunate to be able to place a Women's Law Fellow each year with the Georgetown University Law Center Domestic Violence Clinic, the National Partnership for Women and Families, and the National Women's Law Center - three preeminent women's rights entities in Washington, DC. The Program periodically offers specially designated Fellowships, such as the Rita Charmatz Davidson Fellowship addressing the rights of low-income women; the Harriet B. Burg Fellowship addressing the rights of women with disabilities; Fellowships focusing on issues concerning women and HIV/AIDS; etc.
All Fellowships provide an incomparable opportunity to work with leaders in the women's legal community, to gain tremendous experience promoting women's rights, and to sharpen leadership and advocacy skills through in-depth training sessions provided by the Program. Applicants should indicate in the appropriate section of the application form whether or not they wish to be considered for Fellowships focusing on specific issues. Indicating interest in more than one issue will not jeopardize a candidate's consideration; on the contrary, doing so may facilitate the Program's ability to match the candidate with a Fellowship. The Women's Law and Public Policy Fellowship Program makes every effort to accommodate the Fellows' placement preferences.
However, the Program cannot guarantee any particular placement organization, even if an applicant has a prior relationship or connection with an organization involved in legal and policy issues affecting women. All but one of the Fellowships are one-year positions, commencing at the beginning of September and running through the end of August the following year. The Georgetown University Law Center Domestic Violence Clinic Teaching Fellowship is a two-year teaching position commencing at the beginning of August and leading to an LL.M. degree.
A lecturer at a podium All of the Fellows participate in numerous Women's Law and Public Policy Fellowship Program events throughout the Fellowship year, such as an orientation, bi-weekly seminars, skills-building trainings, and other activities organized by the Program. For example, in prior years the Fellows have met with U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, and other leaders in the legal field addressing women's rights and related social justice issues. The Fellows also have an opportunity to audit courses related to women's rights at the Georgetown University Law Center and to attend other events at the law school. Except for the Domestic Violence Clinic Teaching Fellowship, no law school course work is required and no degree will be awarded.
Qualifications
Applicants for the Domestic Violence Clinic Teaching Fellowship must already be admitted into a bar by December 2008 to permit waiver into the DC Bar before the start of the Fellowship.
Applicants must be graduates of law schools accredited by the American Bar Association, and must show a demonstrated commitment to advancing women's rights throughout their careers. WLPPFP may also be able to offer a limited number of Fellowships to public interest lawyers focusing on women’s rights who have already obtained positions working in the Washington, DC area. These Fellowships would provide the opportunity to participate in all WLPPFP seminars, professional development training, and networking events. Additional information, including the application form, can be found on our website at http://www.law.georgetown.edu/wlppfp/.
Desired Class includes 3L Day Student, 3L Evening Student, Recent Graduate (0-3 years), Experienced Attorney (4+ years).
Salary
Depending on the availability of funds, approximately six applicants will be awarded Women's Law and Public Policy Fellowships, which will carry a stipend of about $37,500. The placement organizations employ the Fellows and provide standard fringe benefits.
Application Instructions:
Applications must be postmarked in Fall, and early applications are encouraged. Fellowship selections will be conducted in late spring.
Send your completed application via e-mail to wlppfp@law.georgetown.edu by Friday, October 31, 2008. Your recommendation letters may be scanned and sent as e-mail attachments, or may be mailed or faxed separately. Your official law school transcript (stamped/sealed) must be sent via mail. If you applied to WLPPFP last year, you do not need to resend your transcript or recommendation letters, but you must resubmit your completed application form with your responses to questions 1-20 (including your updated resume).
Use contact information below if you need more information.
Women's Law and Public Policy Fellowship Program
111 F Street NW Suite 336
Washington, DC 20001-2095
Contact Information:
Julia L. Ernst, Executive Director
wlppfp@law.georgetown.edu
Women’s Law and Public Policy Fellowship Program
Georgetown University Law Center
600 New Jersey Ave, NW
Suite 336
Washington, DC 20001
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