Fellowship Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to apply for a summer fellowship?
All current IL students and 2L students are eligible to apply for fellowships.

How, exactly, does the fellowship program work?
Summer fellowships are designed to provide a modest financial incentive to students who plan to pursue unpaid or low-paid summer positions working at certain public service organizations. Generally speaking, these organizations include legal service providers and other not-for-profit organizations that serve the public interest. Currently fellows are paid $10 per hour for their work (before taxes), subject to certain restrictions that are outlined in this document.

Students are responsible for contacting prospective employers and securing summer jobs. The fellowship program merely provides a funding mechanism for these students; the Public Interest Law Society does not pair students with prospective employers or offer summer employment.

How many fellowships are available?
The number varies from year to year. The process is competitive.

When will I find out if I have been awarded a fellowship?
Final awards will be announced by e-mail in April after interviews are conducted. Students must either accept or decline the fellowship.

Can I work for the government and still receive a summer fellowship?
Generally speaking, students who plan to work for the government are eligible to receive summer fellowships, provided they can show how the particular agency or government employer serves the public interest.

Who decides whether I get a fellowship?
The selection committee-which is comprised of students, faculty and staff-will interview fellowship applicants. Applicants will be ranked based on the overall strength of their written applications and their interviews. Some factors the committee may consider include the applicant's commitment to public service, the applicant's commitment to the Public Interest Law Society at LSU, and the nature of the public-interest work provided by the employer.

Am I allowed to work a split summer?
Yes. In order to be considered for a fellowship award, applicants must plan to work for at least 240 hours. Fellowships may not last more than 400 hours. Fellows are only allowed to work 40 hours per week.

Am I allowed to finish my fellowship in the fall?
No. All fellowship work must be completed before the 2008 fall semester begins.

Do fellows receive overtime pay?
No. Compensation will not be provided for any work in excess of 40 hours per week. Any hours worked in excess of 40 per week will be treated as donations of time by the student to the organization for which the student is working

How is the money distributed?
Timesheets signed by the employer must be submitted to the Law Center's human resources office every two weeks, according to a payroll schedule. Students Additional guidelines and employment forms will be provided later.

Where can I find information about prospective employers?
Students should contact Suzanne Bourgeois in the career office for additional information about prospective employers and career paths.

Where have some fellows worked in the past?
Past fellows have worked for various organizations around the nation and in Louisiana. One fellow worked for the federal government's Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in Washington, D.C. Another fellow worked for a nonprofit real estate developer in New Orleans. A number of fellows have worked for legal aid organizations.

Can I receive a fellowship award and also receive academic credit for my work?
No. If you are receiving academic credit for your work, you cannot also receive a fellowship award for the same work.

Who will see my application?
Applications are public. They will be maintained by the Career Services Office and made available to future applicants.

Can I talk to somebody who has received a fellowship?
Yes. Please contact Bruce Hamilton here for information about past fellowship recipients.