Support Nonprofit and Public Sector Law Fellowships For Students and Graduates!
Students and recent graduates alike benefit from the opportunity to sharpen their legal skills by working for area nonprofits and government agencies as part of the Nonprofit and Public Sector Law Fellowship Program. USD School of Law values and supports students and graduates dedicated to public service and committed to expanding access to justice—whether through the court system, public defender’s office, district attorney’s office, legal aid, or other nonprofit and government agencies.
Current law students working over their first and second summers as well as recent graduates seeking employment experience gain critical skills by serving organizations that provide legal services to those who cannot otherwise afford representation. However, most of these employers are unable to offer paid positions, often relying on unpaid legal advocates. The Nonprofit and Public Sector Law Fellowships Program addresses this gap by providing stipends to allow students and graduates to accept public service positions. These fellowships make it possible for legal fellows to develop essential legal skills while serving the public good.
Public Interest Law Fellowships also enhance USD’s nationally recognized centers and institutes—including the Legal Clinics, Consumer Protection Policy Center, Children’s Advocacy Institute, and Energy Policy Initiatives Center—hubs of advocacy, research, and experiential training.
Contributions to the Nonprofit and Public Sector Law Fellowships help level the playing field for budding lawyers who would otherwise be unable to afford unpaid opportunities—ensuring access to justice for the community and meaningful professional growth for future attorneys.
