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2012 Arthur Liman Public Interest Law Summer Fellowship
Frequently Asked Questions

Program Overview
How To Apply
Awards and Announcements

Previous Liman Fellows
Key Deadlines
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who may apply?

Any undergraduate (including current seniors) may apply for a fellowship. Any graduate student interested in a law-related work experience, except first-year MPP candidates, may apply whether or not you have a law degree.

What kind of work qualifies as public interest?

Public interest law includes helping a wide array of individuals or organizations that lack sufficient resources to retain attorneys or to engage in sustained legal advocacy. The internship may be client oriented, direct-service case work, either civil or criminal, such as enforcement work by government agencies or class action litigation by public interest law organizations, or cause-oriented advocacy, such as nonprofit organizations’ policy development and advocacy of legislative and regulatory reforms.

Do I have to have a placement before I apply? How do I find a host organization for the summer?

You do not have to secure a placement before applying. You should have some idea of what type of organization you would seek to work with and must commit to finding a placement. Princeton career services and WWS can assist in identifying possible work opportunities. If you are selected as a fellow, LAPA and the Yale Law School Liman Program can help you find an internship in an area of your interest.

During my fellowship summer, must I do particular kinds of work or tasks?

No, but you must confirm with your host organization that your primary work will be something other than clerical tasks and offer a substantial learning opportunity.

How many weeks of the summer should I spend with my host organization?

Generally, summer fellows spend 8-10 weeks with their organizations. Student fellows are free to work more than 10 weeks.

What is the stipend amount?

The summer stipend for undergraduates is $3,000; for graduate students it is $4,000. A Liman Fellow may accept no other remuneration for work performed during this time.

How do I apply for a Summer Fellowship?

Visit the LAPA Liman Fellowship web page for more information. An application form, short essay, identification of two references, and a transcript comprise the essential elements of the submission.

What are the other requirements of the fellowship? Is a report required?

If you are selected as a Liman Fellow, you will be invited to attend a conference at Yale Law School on March 1-2, 2012 (expenses paid). At the conclusion of your internship, you will be required to submit a short report on your experience. You will receive more information, including report guidelines, after your selection. You can also view copies of reports by previous Liman Fellows.