Public Service Venture Fund (PSVF) applicants pursuing positions in states whose final bar deadline is before the early-May PSVF Org-Based Fellowship award date, or positions through the Gideon’s Promise Law School Partnership Program , may apply for Early Decision Fellowships.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be an HLS 3L or judicial law clerk who has had no intervening work experience.
- Obtain a host organization that promises them permanent employment at the end of the fellowship year and offers training to their fellows. Host organizations for Early Decision Fellowships are subject to the same Host Organization Guidelines as all other PSVF hosts. Gideon’s Promise Law School Partnership Project partner offices are eligible host organizations UNLESS they have their own paid entry-level position.
- Be pursuing positions in states whose final bar deadline is before the early-May award date of the “regular” Public Service Venture Fund Organization-Based Fellowships, or be offered a position through the Gideon’s Promise Law School Partnership Project.
Application Process
Applicants should alert Deborah Valero-Montijano of their intent to apply as soon as they have secured an eligible host organization or have been notified of a final-round Gideon’s Promise Law School Partnership Project interview so the selection committee interview can be scheduled. In order to receive a selection committee interview, applicants must complete the PSVF Organization-Based Fellowship application materials. Applicants must note in their personal statement and host organization letter that the host organization is willing to extend a permanent job to the applicant at the end of the fellowship year, and will offer the applicant training.
Selection Criteria
Early Decision Fellows must demonstrate exceptional promise for an outstanding career in public service through their internships, clinics, courses, and activities during law school, as well as any relevant experience prior to law school. General academic excellence is not a priority; rather, the primary criterion for the award is demonstrated excellence in public service, curricular or extracurricular activities.
Students who are not selected for an Early Decision Fellowship remain eligible to apply for/be considered for a regular-cycle PSVF Fellowship at an eligible organization.