2016 Legal Studies Institute in Washington, D.C.
The Fund for American Studies is now accepting applications for the Summer 2016 Legal Studies Institute in Washington, D.C.
Sponsored by The Fund for American Studies, and in partnership with George Mason University School of Law, the Legal Studies Institute, is a 10-week academic intern program that offers law students a first-hand look at the Washington legal community through a guaranteed legal internship, an accredited 3-credit hour law course, exclusive lectures, briefings and professional development seminars, and fully furnished housing in the heart of Washington, D.C.
Our goal is to help students close the gap between theory and practice and graduate practice-ready and compelling to future employers.
Students are encouraged to apply by February 10th for priority admissions and scholarship consideration and to receive an additional 5% discount on tuition.
Visit www.DCinternships.org/LSI for more information on admission and program requirements.
Questions may be directed to Colin Parks at cparks@tfas.org or 202.986.0384
LEGAL STUDIES INSTITUTE
May 26 – July 29, 2016
Washington, D.C.
Priority Deadline: February 10, 2016
PROGRAM COMPONENTS
· Legal Internship: Participants will be placed in a legal internship where they will work full-time and gain substantive experience in the legal profession. Internship sites include private and public interest law firms, D.C. Courts, various nonprofits, and the legal departments of trade associations, corporations and government agencies. Click here for a sample list of past sites.
· Economic Law Course at George Mason University School of Law: Students will take a course titled Economic Foundations of Legal Studies at George Mason University School of Law that will expose them to a broad survey of economic concepts that play a crucial role in determining the outcome of legal disputes. Students who successfully complete the course will receive three academic credits from Mason Law.
· Law & Policy Briefings: Participants will attend exclusive lectures on salient issues in law and policy by prominent judges, lawyers and judicial scholars.
· Professional Development Seminars: Students will have the opportunity to hear from recruiters and practitioners within various practice areas including private firms, contract and election law, international law, the Department of Justice, commercial litigation, public interest law and the Army JAG Corps. Workshops will be held to help prepare participants for success in their law careers, and planned networking events will facilitate professional interaction.
· Attorney Mentor Program: Each participant will be matched with a practicing attorney who will serve as a professional mentor during and after the program. He or she will provide tips for living in Washington as well as career advice and networking contacts.
· Housing: Students will live in fully-furnished apartments in downtown Washington, DC and are matched with other Institute participants as roommates. The apartments are located in the heart of Capitol Hill, just a few blocks from the U.S. Supreme Court, and provide easy access to the DC metro transportation system.
· Scholarships: 70% of students receive scholarship awards based on financial need and merit. Priority consideration is given to those who apply by February 10th.
The Ultimate Summer Experience
“LSI provided me with greater career perspective, experience and networking opportunities than I could have had from any local internship or class work. In addition to the coursework and practical experience I gained, I was also able to live in DC, the mecca of the U.S. Legal/Political World, meet many other interns in various fields of practice, and attend events with judges, senators, former vice-presidential candidates, heads of think tank organizations, supreme court litigators, and even a Supreme Court Justice. I gained more than I could have ever anticipated.”
James Gibson, Cleveland-Marshall College of Law
Intern, Law Offices of Scott Bloch
“LSI exposed me to professional opportunities I never would have had otherwise. Their professional contacts are seemingly unlimited and their enthusiasm for the city is apparent.”
Nichole Woodburn, Thomas Goode Jones School of Law
Intern, Marzulla Law
“LSI provided a pathway for me to establish a career in DC. I was able to improve my legal research and writing skills, while developing a professional life in the DC area.”
Deborah Davis-Brutchen, University of Dayton School of Law
Office of Senator Joe Donnelly
“This was the best summer that I have had while in any school. LSI provided the best legal internship experience possible in D.C. If you want to work in D.C., LSI is a must for any law student”!
Timothy Warren, Florida Coastal School of Law
Intern, U.S. Army JAG
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Applications will be reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis. Students are encouraged to apply by February 10, 2016 for priority admission and scholarship consideration as well an additional 5% tuition discount.
Complete and submit the online application including the following uploaded materials:
· Topical Essay (250-500 words): “What is the most pressing problem facing the American legal system? Please explain and offer at least one solution.”
· Statement of Purpose (400-500 words): “State your reasons for applying to the Institute, and what you would gain personally, professionally and academically by attending.”
· One-page Professional Resume
Supplemental Materials:
· Official Transcript: Must be mailed in sealed envelope or faxed/emailed directly from home law school.
· Letter of Recommendation: May be from a current/former employer, professor, dean or advisor.
· $50 Application Fee: Must be submitted via credit card at the time of submission of the online application or mailed using contact information below.
Scholarship Application:
· Scholarship Statement (250 words): “Write a brief statement describing your need for a scholarship.” Must be uploaded to the online application system.
· Personal Financial Materials: For more information on what materials are required, please visit http://www.dcinternships.org/wp-content/uploads/Personal-Financial-Materials-Info.pdf.
**Note: Many internship sites request resumes early in the year for their upcoming summer positions, so applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible for premium placement consideration.
Please visit www.DCinternships.org/LSI for more details and to begin an application.
Questions may be directed to Colin Parks at cparks@tfas.org or 202.986.0384
