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.

January is a busy month for Harvard-funded fellowships, and in particular, for Harvard-funded international fellowships. Be aware of the following upcoming deadlines:

January 6, 2026 by 11:59 PM: International Court of Justice Judicial Fellows Programme nomination application due
January 12, 2026: International Legal Studies Post-Graduate Fellowship application due (for work in international courts and tribunals)
January 12, 2026: Committee on General Scholarship Fellowships (for 3Ls and SJDs only, to travel, research, and work abroad) application due

Be sure to reserve appointments to speak with OPIA’s fellowships director about these opportunities, and upload drafts of your materials to OPIA for guidance well in advance of any deadline.

A new self-service photobooth, the Headshot Hub, has been installed in the Collaborative Commons on the 2nd floor of the Smith Campus Center. Available to anyone with a Harvard ID card, this new community resource provides students, faculty, staff, and other Harvard affiliates with convenient access to professional‑quality headshots.

The International Legal Studies Postgraduate Fellowships fund a recent HLS graduate to clerk or intern in an international or foreign/supernational court or tribunal. Applicants should highlight their demonstrated interest in international or transnational law and how this fellowship would be significant for their career trajectory. If an applicant is unsure regarding eligibility of their host, they are encouraged to contact Andre Barbic (abarbic@law.harvard.edu) at ILS. Applicants are also advised to make a Fellowship Advising appointment.

The DAG Fellowship seeks students and clerks with a commitment to community/movement lawyering demonstrated through clinical work and organizing. Project proposals should highlight innovative, impactful, sustainable social justice change and community buy-in. 

Besides acquiring a host letter from a non-profit organization, applicants should choose 2 letters of recommendation: preferably at least one from Harvard clinical faculty. Sign up for a Fellowship Advising appointment in advance of submission to CARAT. 

Follow these key tips for PSVF Organization-Based Fellowship applications.

Follow these key tips for PSVF Organization-Based Fellowship applications.

Review some of the most common 1L job search questions in our Job Search FAQs, including how to navigate interviews, offers, and other communication with employers. 

Students/graduates applying for a PSVF Org-Based Fellowship need to ensure any requests to change the MOU are submitted by January 12, 2026 and to make an appointment with an OPIA adviser by January 21, 2026 to discuss the job search process.  
 
Watch or listen to our PSVF info session to learn more about these fellowships and the application process.