Applications

Heyman Fellowship (3L's and '10/'11/'12 Graduates)

The selection process for the Heyman Fellowship Program is competitive, and based on a thorough review of each application. We are most interested in the potential contribution that the applicant can make through federal public service, and in the applicants ability and willingness to serve as a mentor to students and alumni. For applicants three years out, preference will be given to those who have spent some or all of these years in clerkships or public interest fellowships. Applicants must either have secured a federal position or be in the pursuit of one at the time of application.  All federal positions qualify, with the exception of judicial clerkships. The application deadline for the 2013 Fellowship is 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 21st. Applications must include the following information:

1. A two-page personal statement of interest in a particular federal employer and position. The statement should address the applicant's background and commitment to public service, as well as an explanation of how the Fellowship will help the applicant achieve her or his long-term goals.
2. A copy of the applicant's resume.
3. A copy of the applicant's transcript.
4. Two letters of recommendation: one from a faculty member, and one from a previous employer who supervised your work. If possible, choose someone who can describe your potential contribution to the federal government.
5. A signed release of financial aid information. This should be a simple one-sentence statement authorizing us to review your financial aid records. Please include your Harvard ID number (if still a student) and your social security number.
6. If known, the salary you would receive in the prospective job.

It is strongly preferred that you submit all application materials via email, though hard copies will be accepted. Please do not staple any materials.  Letters of recommendation may be submitted with application or separately, and can be forwarded by applicants or sent directly by recommenders. Letters written for other purposes and audiences (like clerkship letters) are acceptable, provided their content is applicable. 

Applicants will be notified of award decisions in late spring, 2013. A limited number of applicants may be granted awards conditioned on the applicant's obtaining an offer from a federal agency.

Heyman Summer Internship (1L's and 2L's)

The Heyman Summer Internships provide networking, mentoring and possible small stipends (depending on available resources) for HLS students with summer positions in any part of the federal government (with the exception of judicial clerkships or internships). While the Heyman Summer Internships are competitive, they are granted in larger numbers than the graduate Fellowships to encourage HLS students to "taste" federal law practice. Applicants must either have secured a federal summer job or internship or be in pursuit of one at the time of application. Successful applicants will demonstrate a commitment to public service and a genuine interest in exploring the possibility of a federal government career. Applications should include the following:

1. A cover letter describing your interest in public service and federal government work. You should also specify whether you have secured a federal government position for the upcoming summer. If so, please include your employer's name and location, and length (number of weeks) of your internship, if known. If you have not yet finalized a placement, please specify where you have applied, and when you expect to know.
2. A resume.
3. An explanation of whether, and how much, you will be getting paid by any summer employer, including the federal government, any public or private sector employers with whom you plan to split your summer, a professor, etc. If you are not sure of your pay status or amount, you should say so.

It is strongly preferred that you submit all application materials via email, though hard copies will be accepted. Please do not staple any materials. 

The application deadline for for the summer 2013 program is 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 28th.  Applicants will be notified of selection decisions by late spring, 2013. 

Applications and inquiries should be sent to:

Joan Ruttenberg
Director, Heyman Fellowship Program
Bernard Koteen Office of Public Interest Advising
Harvard Law School
Wasserstein Hall, Suite 4039
Cambridge, MA 02138

Questions? Contact Joan Ruttenberg by e-mail or call (617) 495-3108.