Learn More and Apply

Purpose of the Bridge to Practice Fellowship Program:

To support and encourage new graduates who wish to pursue careers in government and public interest law, through fellowship placements in the field and enhanced career development services throughout the search for permanent employment.

Government and Public Interest:

Employment in the government and public interest sector would include work with nonprofit organizations, the courts, governmental agencies, or public law firms with public interest or pro bono practices. Examples of such jobs include, but are not limited to, working with the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, Public Defender’s Office, Legal Aid, Virginia General Assembly, United States Congress, International Criminal Tribunal at The Hague, etc. This is by no means an exhaustive list. If you question whether the work you seek qualifies, please contact Tara Casey.

Terms:

Successful candidates will be bound by the following terms of the Fellowship:

  1. The Fellowship will provide a stipend of $2,500 per month for up to four months.
  2. Fellows must return a signed and completed Agreement by August 15, 2025, unless other arrangements have been made.
  3. Fellows are expected to take the bar exam no later than July following their graduation and will begin their placement no later than September 30, 2025.
  4. Fellows are expected to register and attend the free MBE BootCamp (Workshop & Diagnostic Exam) hosted by the law school on May 15-16, 2025.
  5. While receiving the stipend, Fellows are expected to work at least 120 hours per month at the placement.
  6. The Fellowship will end prior to the four-month period if the student secures paid employment.
  7. The Fellowship does not create an employer-employee relationship between Bridge to Practice Fellows and the University of Richmond, and the Law School will not supervise the Fellowship recipient or control or monitor the recipient’s work.

Selection:

Students are eligible to apply to the Fellowship Program in the spring semester of their graduating year. The application process is competitive, and successful candidates will be selected by a faculty committee on the basis of a demonstrated interest in government or public interest law and overall professionalism in the field. The Selection Committee may consider a student’s academic achievement, prior work experience, extra-curricular activities, and/or participation in the law school’s bar preparation program in the selection process. Strong consideration will be given to a student’s efforts to secure a fellowship placement up to and at the time of application. For consideration, the following items must be submitted as one PDF:

  1. Cover letter, which should include a personal statement describing the candidate’s interest in the Fellowship, any experience that has prepared the student for the program, and how the candidate envisions the Fellowship positioning their for a career in public service.
  2. A statement describing what efforts have been made to secure a placement, including the likelihood of post-fellowship employment with this host organization. If offers of a placement opportunity have been received and/or accepted, please include those details as well as contact information for the potential host supervisor.
  3. Resume.
  4. Copy of candidate’s transcript (may be unofficial).
  5. List of references, including contact information. It is recommended for at least one of the references to be a faculty member and at least one to be an external supervisor.

All application materials must be submitted here no later than 5 p.m. on January 27, 2025. If you have questions, please contact Ashley Hahn.