Different kinds of fellowships:

1. Those that are like a job at a law firm — require a cover letter and resume. These are often freestanding fellowships that someone offers in honor of someone who has passed away. Often last 1-2 years.
2. More extensive applications: Teaching fellowships at GULC and other schools, state bar fellowships, etc. Applications require a series of questions, cover letter, resume.
3. EJW, Skadden-type: Much more labor-intensive application. Requires detailed description of a new project you plan to do. Usually you have a partnership w/a “sponsor” organization and you're not just going to be a staff attorney; you're going to do something new to add to that organization's work. EJW applicant pool this year was over 300. That number hasn't really gone up much in many years, probably not b/c there aren't enough people who want to do this, but b/c the application process is difficult and requires a lot of work up front to hook up w/an organization, etc.

General advice:

1. You must start thinking, planning, and working on these things well in advance. NOW.
2. If you're thinking about public interest, you really can't afford not to apply for fellowships as opposed to staff positions. Apply to every one that interests you and that you have time to apply to.
3. The beauty of fellowships is that they're short-term so you can try different things to see if you like them.
4. Do your research! Some fellowships are seeking very specific candidates and you might be one of the few people who fit the bill.
   Make a timeline of deadlines and due dates for yourself—for asking for letters of recommendation, when you apply, etc.
5. Volunteer! Get internships in law shchool! Start your first year so you can get to know lots of people and organizations. Build relationships with organizations so you'll have an organization to work w/for the design-it-yourself fellowships (like EJW).
6. PSLawNet is great, but do not rely solely on them! They are not always right and their information is not always complete. If you're interested in something, call and verify deadlines and requirements.
7. Don't get desperate and just apply for anything you're remotely interested in or qualified for. The people reading your applications will smell that and it won't be good for you.
8. Do not “cold apply” to a fellowship of any kind because no one else does. Talk to people who have been there, do your research, know what they're looking for. You've got to do the work. Who you know can also be very big. There are “secret rules” for how to complete each application and what it's supposed to include; you have to know these secrets or your app is going to get rejected on the first glance.
9. If you've got a 3.1 GPA it does not belong on your resume.
10. The one-page resume is for law firms. Fuggedaboudit for fellowships if you've got lots to include. They want to know who you are; demonstrate your committment.

Before beginning of 3rd year (or even better, by mid 2L), limit your job/fellowship search by looking at:

• Geography—be honest w/yourself about where you're willing to live. What about SO? Family?
• Subject matter—what area of law you want to work in?
• What you want to do—policy, litigation (do you want to be a slave to the judge?), direct service, community outreach?


• Who are you? Know yourself. What is your dream and what are you willing to do to make that happen? Are you a risk-taker, or do you want to play it safer? Do you like expensive martinis or cheap beer? Do you want to start your own new thing, or work for someone else?
• Unique aspects of fellowship/job. Prestige? Prisoners. Undocumented immigrants? Who you know? Think about random variables that might make one fellowship or job better than another for you.

Obviously this isn't a complete fellowship or job search plan, but it should get you started. The most important advice in regard to the fellowships is start planning now! And good luck!