LEGAL STUDIES INSTITUTE Guaranteed Legal Internships in Washington, D.C.
May 22 – July 31, 2010
Washington, D.C.
www.LegalStudiesDC.org
Final Deadline: March 19, 2010
The Legal Studies Institute, sponsored by The Fund for American Studies, provides the opportunity for first and second year law students to gain a first-hand look at the American legal system through legal internships, a constitutional law course, guest speakers and briefings, and professional development activities. The guaranteed legal internships allow students to gain the necessary work experience that future employers will expect in today’s legal job market. Students will attend a 3-credit course on Constitutional law entitled, “The Founders Constitution.” The course is accredited through Ohio Northern Law School, and all students who successfully complete the course will receive 3 transfer credits.
The program offers the following components:
Legal Internship: Participants will be placed in a 9-week legal internship where they will work full-time and gain substantive experience in the legal profession. Internship sites include law firms, courts, public interest legal organizations, and the legal departments of trade associations, corporations and government agencies.
3-Credit Course on Constitutional Law: Participants will attend a Constitutional law course for 3 credit hours. The course is entitled, “The Founders Constitution,” and is accredited by Ohio Northern Law School. The course structure will follow the required 2100 minutes of class time. All participants who successfully complete the course will receive 3 transfer credits.
Briefings and Activities: Participants will attend private briefings at institutions of the judicial and executive branches and will meet with prominent judges, lawyers and judicial scholars. Last year’s class met with Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia and D.C. Federal Court of Appeals Judge Douglas Ginsburg.
Career Development Activities: Workshops will be held to help prepare participants for success in their law careers, and planned networking events will facilitate professional interaction.
Attorney Mentor Program: Each participant will be matched with an experienced lawyer who will serve as a professional mentor during and after the program.
Housing: Students live in furnished apartments on Capitol Hill and are matched with other Institute participants. The apartments are only a few blocks from public transportation, with access to the entire D.C. metro area.
Scholarships: 75% of students receive scholarship awards based on financial need and merit. Typical awards range from $500 to $2,500.
“My experience at the Electronic Privacy Information Center has given me real insight into public interest practice and the everyday business of protecting basic rights. I am reassured that my goal to make a difference in the government and the everyday lives of the American public is possible, and I am already doing it!”
Danielle Nasr, University of Texas School of Law Legal Intern, EPIC.org
“Working at the International Law Institute last summer helped me to land a full-time job after my 3rd year. My summer work experience in Washington, D.C. was the deciding factor, and I have the Legal Studies Institute to thank for the opportunity to have gained my legal experience.”
Diana Simpson, Roger Williams Law School, Legal Intern, International Law Institute
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Applications will be reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis until the final deadline of March 19th.
Many legal internship sites request resumes early in the year for their upcoming summer positions, so applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
Details on the program and an online application may be found at www.LegalStudiesDC.org. Questions may be directed to LSI Director Hicks P. Winters at LEGAL@tfas.org or 202.986.0384.