As you develop your plans for your post-graduate public interest job search, you may be considering applying to fellowships, government honors programs, and/or direct entry-level positions. Along with these options, you may be wondering about whether to include clerkship applications.

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.

You are encouraged to apply for the Borchard Fellowship even if you have not worked on Elder Law issues in the past. An Elder Law lens can often be applied to the work you’re doing whether it involves housing, employment, health issues, or criminal law. Past fellows have worked on issues ranging from immigration detention to consumer affairs. For assistance with your application, set up an appointment with Judy Murciano or attend Judy’s drop-in hours.

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. 

If you are still seeking a position for 1L summer in the public sector, OPIA advisers are here to help! Make an appointment in CSM or come to drop-ins to meet with an adviser and make a game plan.

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 the CSM job bank for entry-level jobs, and make an appointment with an OPIA adviser to position you for success in your search.

The ChIPs Scholarship was established to encourage women to pursue careers in intellectual property law. The scholarship is awarded annually to an academically qualified 3L law student who has demonstrated a commitment to ChIPs' core mission of advancing and connecting women in technology, law and policy. The $10,000 award is paid to the scholar’s school to be used for tuition. Apply by April 5, 2026.

Though large private law firms have accelerated their hiring for 2L summer and are considering applications during 1L year, most plaintiffs’ firms have not made the same choice.  However, some large plaintiffs’ law firms, such as Berger Montague, Hausfeld, Klein Hornig, and Lieff Cabraser, are open to receiving 1Ls’ applications for 2L summer on a similar timeline.  If you are interested in working for a large plaintiffs’ firm during your 2L summer, double-check with the firm about when they expect to receive your application. Continue to watch the space, and work with both OPIA and OCS to craft a strategy that makes sense for your career goals and contextualize the changes happening in the recruiting markets.

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

If you haven't reported your summer internship status, please fill out this brief survey to let OPIA know where you stand!

The Henigson Fellowships require pre-review approval at least a month before they are due. Consult with HRP Associate Director Abadir Ibrahim.

The Kenneth I. Juster International Fellowship provides HLS J.D. students with the opportunity to pursue experiential learning opportunities abroad for three to eight weeks during the summer after their 1L or 2L year. The application deadline is March 15.

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.

Interviews that persuade and stick reflect five key elements.

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.

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 Fellowship Advising appointment in advance of submission to CARAT.

All applicants must carefully consult the PSVF Org-Based details and MOU to check for eligibility for themselves and the host organization before January 12, 2026. Prior efforts to secure a PSVF host may include non-PSVF eligible organizations, but all jobs and fellowships listed must show an authentic effort to launch a long-term public interest career for which the candidate is realistically qualified. Sign up for a Fellowship Advising appointment in advance of submission to CARAT.

OPIA will be hosting a virtual Spring Interview Program (SIP) featuring public sector employers recruiting for summer and postgraduate positions. Bidding will take place in early January, with virtual interviews being held in late January into early February. In conjunction with the Virtual Spring Interview Program, there will be virtual employer chats with public sector employers on January 12th and 15th that students may register for in advance. More details about these employer chats, including who will be participating, and how to sign-up, will be shared in early January.