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Learn More: Contact OPIA with any questions: opia@law.harvard.edu

Borchard Fellowship, Application Deadline: April 1, 2025

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.

Federal Hiring Update: U.S. Attorney's Offices

As you may have heard, over the last few days, several U.S. Attorney’s Offices have notified students who had accepted internships (and in some cases, had interviewed) before the federal hiring freeze that their office now has permission to hire unpaid volunteer interns. If you have been notified of a re-issued offer and would like to speak with an OPIA adviser about your options, please come to drop-in hours or schedule an appointment in CSM.  We strongly discourage reneging on an alternative offer you have already accepted, but can speak further about exploring split summers or other opportunities to work in government while at HLS.

Heyman Summer Internship Program

The shifts in federal government policy towards summer law interns this year has necessitated reimagining this year’s Heyman Summer Interns Program to be both more virtual and more inclusive.  The prior application deadline of February 13th has been waived.  Please stay tuned for additional information in the coming weeks/months as to what the program may look like and how you can participate.

1L E-Advising Series: Choosing Clinics, Courses, and Extracurriculars for 2L Year

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. 

Part-Time Job Opening: Immediate Start

James & Hoffman PC, a law firm in Washington, DC that represents workers and labor unions, is hiring law students to assist with intake.  The firm is currently working to meet high demand from probationary federal employees who have lost their jobs and are seeking legal help.  Students will earn $20/hour.  Email firm associate Emily Postman at erpostman@jamhoff.com to inquire.

Resume Collection Deadline EXTENDED for some V-SIP Public Sector Employers - New Deadline of 2/28

Some public sector employers who participated in the V-SIP resume collection have extended their deadlines to receive materials up until February 28th. Review the list of participating organizations below - and the class years they are recruiting - and follow Step 5 of the step-by-step instructions on submitting bids through the public sector V-SIP program. Submit your bids through Symplicity CSM.

The Entry-Level Job Search E-Advising Series: Getting Started on the Post-Grad Job Search as a 2L

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 fellowship and entry-level job deadlines, and make an appointment with an OPIA adviser to position you for success in your search.

Expansion of SPIF Support for 2025

Due to federal hiring changes impacting in-process summer employment searches, judicial clerkships/internships will be eligible for summer public interest funding (SPIF) for the summer of 2025. Internships with a judge or court are typically not funded by SPIF, with the exception of international war crimes and human rights courts that involve more than one country.

Reminder: OPIA-Administered Fellowship Application Deadlines Soon Approaching

Please note that applications for the following OPIA-administered fellowships are due in February:

Public Service Venture Fund Org-Based Fellowship
February 7, 2025, 5:00 pm 
PSVF Org-Based Fellowships are intended to help launch students’ and judicial clerks’ public interest careers at the public service organization of their choice that otherwise is not hiring at the entry-level.

Don’t Miss These United Nations Opportunities

Youth Summer Fellowship, Indigenous Peoples & Minorities Section - Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) – Priority Deadline: February 3, 2025

Youth Summer Fellowship, Humanitarian Funds (against Slavery & Torture) - Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) – Priority Deadline: February 3, 2025

Legal Intern, Programmes & Projects Team - United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) – Deadline: January 31, 2025

Legal Intern, Administrative Law Team - United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) – Deadline: January 31, 2025

Legal Intern, Corporate and Institutional Law Team - United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) – Deadline: January 31, 2025