2026 Summer Fellowship Application
The BPDA Law School Summer Fellowship offers law students an invaluable opportunity to explore a career in public defense. BPDA's mission aims to improve the quality of defense provided to low-income communities across the United States by creating and maintaining a national network of skilled Black public defenders that identify with and are committed to the populations they serve. At BPDA, we emphasize the significance of holistic defense, equipping fellows with the skills and knowledge to make a meaningful impact. The program includes an intensive week-long trial advocacy training to prepare participants for their roles, along with lifelong mentorship to support their professional journey.Designed to inspire a commitment to public defense, this fellowship aims to prepare students for impactful careers in the field. We welcome individuals passionate about defending the rights of indigent clients. If this mission resonates with you, we encourage you to apply.
Applicant's name
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Preferred pronouns
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Address
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Street Address
Street Address Line 2
City
State / Province
Postal / Zip Code
Phone Number
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Please enter a valid phone number.
Preferred Email
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example@example.com
Permanent Email
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example@example.com
Where are you originally from?
What law school do you attend?
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Anticipated graduation year?
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Are you a law student in good academic standing currently enrolled in an ABA accredited law school?
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Yes
No
What drives your passion for public defense?
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Please describe any experience you have working in a public defender office. If you have prior experience, please be sure to include the name of the office and your supervisor.
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Have you already secured an internship/fellowship at a public defender office for summer 2026? If yes, please list the name and location of the office where you will be working.
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Which host site(s) are you applying to? (Please limit your selections to 3 host sites)
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New Orleans Public Defense Office, (New Orleans, Louisiana; 1L & 2L)
Office of Colorado State, (Statewide, 2L)
Cuyahoga Public Defender, (Cleveland, Ohio; All Classes)
The Legal Aid Society, (New York; Rising 3L)
Montgomery County Public Defender, (Dayton, Ohio; 2L)
Hamilton County Public Defender, (Cincinnati, Ohio; Rising 3L)
Philadelphia Public Defender, (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Rising 2L & 3L)
Washington State Office of Public Defense, (Olympia, Washington; 2L & 3L)
Michigan State Appellate, (Lansing, Michigan; 1L & 2L)
Contra Costa County Public Defender, (Contra Costa, California; 1L & 2L)
Committee for Public Counsel Services, (Boston, Massachusetts; 2L & 3L)
State of Minnesota Board of Public Defense, (Minneapolis, Minnesota; All Classes)
Law Offices of Los Angeles County Public Defense, (Los Angeles, California; Rising 3L)
Brooklyn Defender Office, (Brooklyn, New York; 2L)
Virginia Indigent Defense Commission, (Richmond, Virginia; All Classes)
Are you willing and/or able to go to any host site?
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Yes
No
Have you applied for other summer funding? If yes, how much were you awaded? Has that funding been awarded?
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Are you able to secure funding through your law school or other financial source to support this fellowship?
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Yes
No
I'm not sure
Have you applied for the BPDA Summer Fellowship in the past
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Yes
No
Why do you want to be a public defender? How will this fellowship advance your professional goals? (3000 characters or less)
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Please upload your headshot
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Please submit a short professional bio
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Please upload your resume
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How did you hear about this fellowship opportunity?
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BPDA website
Career services/ counselor's office
Social Media
Other
By signing and submitting your application for BPDA's Fellowship Program, you acknowledge and agree that participation in BPDA's virtual Trial Institute May 18-22 and any additional programming is a mandatory requirement for consideration. Failure to fully participate in this and any other required component may result in disqualification from the fellowship selection process. Your agreement to this condition is essential to ensure your eligibility for this opportunity. By submitting your application, you confirm that you understand and accept this requirement.
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BPDA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status. We welcome all those interested in a career in public defense to apply.
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