Liman Summer Fellows do useful work in organizations that need their help. The Fellowships provide undergraduates opportunities to work full-time for 8–10 weeks in publicly funded or non-profit social services, cultural entities, or state and local government organizations. Work may include direct services, such as helping people who cannot afford attorneys, and public policy reform.
As a Fellow, you will participate in the Liman Colloquium, held every spring at Yale Law School, where students, scholars, and advocates from around the country gather to discuss issues; topics vary from year to year. For example, in the last three years, the Colloquium has addressed Incarceration and Public Health; Budgeting for Justice: Fiscal Policy and Monetary Sanctions; and An Intergenerational Community Committed to Public Service Education and Lawyering.
Through this fellowship, we hope you will connect with your peers and participate in a nationwide network of people committed to lessening the harms of unfair economic and social structures.
Toward the end of the summer, all Fellows must submit a report describing their experiences. Fellows are also expected to participate in their school’s programs to share their internship experiences with other students.
Eligibility:
Undergraduates from these schools may apply:
The Liman Summer Fellowship is open to all students who are entering their second, third, or fourth year of college. Students should be interested in public service and social justice. Applicants are welcome from all majors and concentrations and may or may not have an interest in attending law school. Everyone is eligible, whether or not receiving financial aid. A few participating colleges may have additional requirements.
Qualifying Host Organizations:
Students are responsible for obtaining an internship with a qualifying host organization. In general, students do not have to secure a placement before applying. Participating schools provide resources to help students identify potential placements.
Organizations must be publicly funded or federally designated nonprofits — those with 501(c)(3) status. For-profit institutions do not qualify. Alternatively, Fellows may intern with state or local government agencies. Generally, host organizations are not academic institutions and should be based in the United States.
Host organizations serve the public good in a variety of ways. Many provide lawyers for people who cannot afford them. Some work on behalf of underserved communities. Others shape public policy. Applicants are encouraged to look for host organizations that have resource needs and serve underrepresented communities. Placements are not limited to particular substantive areas. Prior Fellows have worked on issues such as immigration, housing, labor and workers’ rights, indigent criminal defense, death penalty representation, disability rights, children and family services, environmental policy, and mental health advocacy.
Ideally, Fellows join the organization in person rather than remotely.
How to Apply for a Liman Summer Fellowship:
Students should consult with their college or university faculty or program coordinator for application deadlines and requirements.