ABA Center for Innovation-Microsoft NextGen Fellow

 The ABA Center for Innovation and Microsoft are excited to announce a unique new fellowship opportunity for recent law school graduates. The inaugural ABA Center for Innovation-Microsoft NextGen Fellow will gain invaluable experience while positively impacting the delivery of legal services to those most in need of assistance.

ABA Center for Innovation

The ABA Center for Innovation encourages and accelerates innovations that improve the accessibility, effectiveness, and efficiency of legal services in the United States. Through its Fellows Program, the Center works with established and emerging leaders to develop cutting-edge legal tech and process innovations.

ABA Center for Innovation-Microsoft NextGen Fellow

Among other exciting projects related to innovation in legal services, in 2016, Microsoft announced a partnership with the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) to create statewide online justice portals. The project’s aim is to direct low-income persons to appropriate legal aid resources in each state. It seeks to transform a system that is too often opaque, confusing, and inefficient into a single, simple, statewide access point for legal aid resources.

In residence at Microsoft headquarters in Redmond, Washington, the ABA Center for Innovation-Microsoft NextGen Fellow will spend most of his or her time helping to advance the LSC portal project, while also contributing to a variety of other technology initiatives. The Fellow will join an exclusive cohort of ABA NextGen and Innovation Fellows, most of whom will be in residence at ABA Headquarters in Chicago Illinois. The ABA Center for Innovation-Microsoft NextGen Fellow may therefore travel on occasion to meet with ABA members, staff, and Fellows at ABA Headquarters.

Qualifications

The Center is seeking a recent (within the last 5 years) law school graduate to spend one year in residence (August 1, 2017 – July 31, 2018) at Microsoft headquarters in Redmond, Washington. This Fellow will receive a $45,000 salary and benefits. Bar admission is not necessary.

Candidates should have the following qualifications:

  • Commitment to improving access to justice
  • Working knowledge of technology design and web development
  • Experience working in a collaborative environment
  • Curiosity about the evolution of legal services

Application

Applicants should submit the following:

  • A short statement (500 to 750 words) demonstrating their interest in and qualifications for the ABA Center for Innovation-Microsoft NextGen Fellow
  • A resume, including links (if available) to a website or professional social media profile
  • A short (approximately two minute) video or multimedia presentation, highlighting the candidate’s qualifications

Please submit your application to innovationcenter@americanbar.org by April 15, 2017.

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed by ABA members and staff, as well as by Microsoft staff. Finalists will be contacted in early April to schedule an interview.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work during my fellowship?
The Fellows Program is a full-time commitment. Fellows should not pursue outside work.

Can I work remotely?
No. The ABA Center for Innovation-Microsoft NextGen Fellow will be hosted at Microsoft headquarters in Redmond, Washington, with occasional visits to ABA Headquarters in Chicago, Illinois.

What will the ABA provide during the fellowship?
All fellows will have access to many of the nation’s top legal innovators, educators, technologists, and designers. Additionally, they will receive a comprehensive Boot Camp training. Fellows will receive a $45,000 salary, plus benefits.

Do I have to be a programmer?
You do not have to be a programmer. However, you should have an understanding of legal tech solutions.

Do I have to be a lawyer or law graduate?
NextGen Fellows must be recent (within five years) law school graduates