2027 Summer Fellowship Application

2027 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 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.
Name

First NameLast Name
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Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

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Postal / Zip Code
Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Preferred Email
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Permanent Email
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Where are you originally from?
What law school do you attend?
Anticipated graduation year?
Are you a law student in good academic standing currently enrolled in an ABA accredited law school?
What drives your passion for public defense?
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.
Have you already secured an internship/fellowship at a public defender office for summer 2027? If yes, please list the name and location of the office where you will be working.
Please select up to three different host sites in order of preference. Do not select the same office more than once. Which host site is your first choice?
Which host site is your second choice?
Which host site is your third choice?
Are you willing and/or able to go to any host site?
Have you be awarded funding from other sources for Summer 2027? If yes, how much were you awarded and can you indicate the source?
Are you able to secure funding through your law school or other financial source to support this fellowship?
Have you applied for the BPDA Summer Fellowship in the past
Why do you want to be a public defender? How will this fellowship advance your professional goals? (3000 characters or less)
Please upload your headshot and name the file LastName_FirstName_Headshot.

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Please upload a short professional bio and name the file LastName_FirstName_Bio.

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Please upload your resume and name the file LastName_FirstName_Resume.

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How did you hear about this fellowship opportunity?

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Public Defense Fellowship Advisory. Public defenders represent people accused of a wide range of criminal offenses, including serious charges such as burglary, kidnapping, and murder. Every person accused of a crime has a constitutional right to legal representation. Fellows may work with clients who are detained in jail or incarcerated and may visit correctional facilities. Applicants should consider whether they are prepared to support this work respectfully and without judgment, regardless of the allegations against a client. If this work does not align with your values or professional goals, please reconsider whether this fellowship is right for you. Acknowledgment question:Have you read and understood the Public Defense Fellowship Advisory above?
By signing and submitting your application for BPDA's Fellowship Program, you acknowledge and agree that participation in BPDA's virtual Trial Institute May 17-21, 2027 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.
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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