Skip to content

2025 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.

1.Applicant's name(Required.)
2.What is your preferred pronoun?(Required.)
3.Contact Information(Required.)
4.What is your preferred email address?(Required.)
5.What is your permanent email address?(Required.)
6.Where are you originally from?
7.What law school do you attend?(Required.)
8.Anticipated graduation year(Required.)
9.Are you a law student in good academic standing currently enrolled in an ABA accredited law school?(Required.)
10.Why do you feel passionately about public defense?(Required.)
11.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.(Required.)
12.Have you already secured an internship at a public defender's office for summer 2024? If yes, please list the name and location of the office where you will be working.(Required.)
13.Which host site(s) are you applying to? (You may select up to 3 host sites)(Required.)
14.Are you willing and/or able to go any host site?
15.Please describe your financial need (i.e., cost of summer living expenses and other costs/financial hardship)(Required.)
16.Have you applied for other summer funding? If yes, where? Has funding been awarded?(Required.)
17.Are you able to secure funding through your law school or public defender office to support this fellowship?(Required.)
18.If so, how much have you been awarded?
Current Progress,
0 of 25 answered