If you have secured employment, please take a minute to complete the Graduate Employment Survey in CSM. The ABA requires all law schools to report the employment outcomes for its graduates pursuant to ABA Standard 509(b). The information you provide will be reported in the aggregate, will not be shared with anyone, and will allow us to comply with this ABA requirement.

If you are unsure of your start date, so that you can complete the survey, you may enter an estimated date and note in the survey that it is approximate. The Office of Career Services will follow up with you later in the spring for an updated start date.

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.

The bidding period for public sector employers through the Virtual Spring Interview Program is now open!

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.

Mark your calendars for OPIA's annual Public Interest Networking Reception, being held virtually on Wednesday, January 17, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. ET. More details, including a link to register and list of participants, will be provided in early January. We hope to see you there!

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 reach out directly to Andre Barbic (abarbic@law.harvard.edu) at ILS. 

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 advising with Judy Murciano by making a Fellowship 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 and learn about the PSVF Seed Grant.

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. 

Read this post for information regarding upcoming Bar Exam application deadlines.

Interviews take on particular significance with public interest employers, as they seek to learn about your interest in their mission and your fit with their office. The following resources can help you prepare to put your best foot forward in interviews with public interest employers.

Interested in learning more about public international law work? The following resources can help you begin your exploration.

As you make your game plan for applying for summer internships, you may be trying to strategize about which applications to submit earlier or later. Though 1Ls can apply to summer jobs on or after December 1, employers’ hiring timelines after that date can vary significantly. Here are some examples of employers with early deadlines.

Jonathan W. Cuneo COSAL/Justice Catalyst Fellowship

The COSAL enforces anti-trust laws to promote class equity by holding large corporations accountable and stemming anti-competitive practices that harm consumers and small businesses. Applicants must contact one of the preferred law firm host(s) before applying. Sign-up for advising with Judy Murciano by making a Fellowship appointment.

International Legal Studies (ILS) is accepting applications for the 2024-2025 International Legal Studies Post-Graduate Fellowships. The Fellowships are open to HLS J.D. or LL.M. students who will graduate in May 2024 or recent graduates (those who received the J.D. or LL.M. in 2021, 2022 or 2023).

Applications are due to International Legal Studies by 5:00 p.m. EST (UTC-5) on Friday, January 12, 2024. Learn more about the ILS Post-Graduate Fellowships.

If you’re interested in learning more about legal nonprofit work, check out the following resources.

Private public interest law firms (PPILFs) are involved in many of the same issues addressed by not-for-profit public interest legal organizations and government agencies – but in a law firm setting. Interested in learning more about PPILFs? The following resources can help you begin your exploration.

Interested in learning more about criminal law internships and careers? The following OPIA resources can help you begin your exploration.