Heyman Post-Graduate Fellowships and Summer Internship Applications

Heyman Post-Graduate Fellowship for 3Ls and ’21/’22/’23 Graduates

The selection process for the Heyman Fellowship Program is competitive, and based on a thorough review of each application. We are most interested in the potential contribution that the applicant can make through federal public service, and in the applicant’s ability and willingness to serve as a mentor to students and alumni. For applicants three years out, preference will be given to those who have spent some or all of these years in clerkships or public interest fellowships. Applicants must either have secured a federal position or be in the pursuit of one at the time of application. All federal positions qualify, with the exception of judicial clerkships.

POST-GRADUATE APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

1. Submit a signed release of financial aid information mailed or turned in to OPIA as a hard copy. The release should not be submitted via e-mail. The release should be a simple one-sentence statement authorizing us to review your financial aid records. Please include your first and last name, Harvard ID number (if still a student), your social security number, and your signature.
2. Submit a completed application via CARAT, which includes
   1. A two-page personal statement of interest in a particular federal employer and position. The statement must have your first and last name centered at the top of the page and address your background and commitment to public service, as well as an explanation of how the Fellowship will help you achieve your long-term goals.
   2. Resume.
   3. Transcript: official or unofficial transcripts accepted.
   4. Two letters of recommendation: one from a faculty member, and one from a current or previous employer who supervised your work. A clinical faculty member may serve in either category. If possible, choose someone who can describe your potential contribution to the federal government. Letters written for other purposes and audiences (like clerkship letters) are acceptable, provided their content is applicable.
   5. The status of your federal position. Provide basic information about your secured federal position if you have secured a position, or basic information about your federal job search if you have not yet secured a position.

POST-GRADUATE APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

1. Tell your recommenders how to submit their letters of recommendation and to expect an email from CARAT asking them to upload their letter of recommendation.
2. Prepare all application materials.
3. Complete the online application via CARAT.
   1. Upload the required application materials in CARAT.
   2. To continue a previously started application, select the “in progress” tab on the homepage. This is crucial so that the correct letters of recommendation are attached to the correct application.
   3. Save your application frequently. CARAT is connected to your Harvard Key and may log-out due to inactivity and your work may be lost.

Applicants will be notified of award decisions in late spring. A limited number of applicants may be granted awards conditioned on the applicant’s obtaining an offer from a federal agency.

Heyman Summer Internship for 1Ls and 2Ls

The Heyman Summer Internships provide networking and mentoring for HLS students with summer positions in any part of the federal government (with the exception of judicial externships or internships). There is no financial component to the summer program. While the Heyman Summer Internships are competitive, they are granted in larger numbers than the graduate Fellowships to encourage HLS students to “taste” federal law practice. Applicants must either have secured a federal summer job or internship or be in pursuit of one at the time of application. Successful applicants will demonstrate a commitment to public service and a genuine interest in exploring the possibility of a federal government career.

SUMMER APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Submit a completed application via CARAT, which includes

1. Cover letter describing your interest in public service and federal government work. You should also specify whether you have secured a federal government position for the upcoming summer. If so, please include your employer’s name and location, and length (number of weeks) of your internship, if known. If you have not yet finalized a placement, please specify where you have applied, and when you expect to know. Please also let us know if you will be splitting your summer.
2. Resume.

SUMMER APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare all application materials.
2. Complete the online application via CARAT.
   1. Upload the required application materials in CARAT.
   2. To continue a previously started application, select the “in progress” tab on the homepage.
   3. Save your application frequently. CARAT is connected to your Harvard Key and may log-out due to inactivity and your work may be lost.

Applicants will be notified of selection decisions by late spring.

For questions about the program and your fit, please contact Joan Ruttenberg.

For questions about the application process or CARAT, please contact Deborah Valero-Montijano.