Post-Graduate Fellowships & Scholarships

The Thomas J. Drinan Memorial Fellowship is awarded annually to fund the summer employment of a designated Suffolk University Law School student in the criminal justice field. In honor of its namesake, the Fellowship is awarded to a Suffolk Law student who demonstrates a commitment to the highest standards of integrity and advocacy within the criminal justice system, and the character and skills necessary to achieve these standards. The individual chosen will be placed and funded for a ten week summer position in a public office in Massachusetts engaged in the prosecution or defense of criminal cases. Such employment shall be available in offices such as those of the United States Attorney, the Massachusetts Attorney General, Committee for Public Counsel Services, and the Federal Public Defender. This Fellowship is available to second year day division and third year evening division students.

Selection Criteria

Considerations which will influence selection of the Drinan Fellow include the following:

1. Demonstrated interest in and commitment to working in the criminal justice system;
2. Excellent legal skills; and
3. Personal integrity and character.

Application Process

To apply, please submit the following materials via Symplicity (OCI Session: Drinan/McLaughlin) in the fall:

1. Law school transcript (unofficial copy is acceptable);
2. Resume;
3. Letter of intent/personal statement, indicating your demonstrated interest in and commitment to working in the criminal justice system; and
4. A list of three references (one should be a faculty member) with title and contact information.

Note: If you are applying for both the Drinan and McLaughlin fellowships, you must submit a separate set of materials for each.

As a tribute and memorial to Paul R. McLaughlin's life, an endowed fellowship fund was established at Suffolk University Law School in his name through the contributions of hundreds of his friends, colleagues, admirers, and loved ones. The Paul R. McLaughlin Memorial Fellowship Fund awards $8,000 each year to support a summer internship for one Suffolk Law student interested in pursuing a career in criminal law in the public sector. The student selected to receive this prestigious fellowship will work in a District Attorney's office, the Attorney General's office, or within another government office of the criminal justice system. This Fellowship is available to second year day division and third year evening division students.

Selection Criteria

Considerations which will influence selection of the Drinan Fellow include the following:

1. Demonstrated interest in and commitment to working in the criminal justice system;
2. Excellent legal skills; and
3. Personal integrity and character.

Application Process

To apply, please submit the following materials via Symplicity (OCI Session: Drinan/McLaughlin) in the fall:

1. Law school transcript (unofficial copy is acceptable);
2. Resume;
3. Letter of intent/personal statement, indicating your demonstrated interest in and commitment to working in the criminal justice system; and
4. A list of three references (one should be a faculty member) with title and contact information.

Note: If you are applying for both the Drinan and McLaughlin fellowships, you must submit a separate set of materials for each.

The Suffolk Public Interest Law Group (SPILG) Fellowship program provides funding for students working in otherwise unpaid summer internships with non-profit and government organizations. The purpose of the fellowship program is to support Suffolk Law students dedicated to public service while providing an invaluable service to non-profit and government organizations and the communities they serve. The number of fellowships awarded each year varies but fellowships are typically available for approximately 60 students each summer.

This Application Is a Two Part Process, Both Due in March

1. Students must apply for a SPILG Fellowship in March (through Symplicity, date TBA).
2. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the current year must be completed. In addition, you must submit the FAFSA for the previous year if you have not already done so.

Please note: You are not required to have a summer position secured in order to submit a SPILG/FWS Application.

Contact Toni Machowsky, Associate Director for Public Interest Advising and Pro Bono Programs, in PCD if you have any questions.
Toni's email address is [email protected]

Eligibility

Suffolk University Law School students who will graduate in January or May are eligible to apply.  Students are not required to have a position secured before applying for the award.   Awards will be contingent on the recipient passing the bar exam and obtaining employment with a qualifying public service employer.  The Fenton Awards are the highest paid public service awards given by Suffolk Law.

Eligible Placements

The Fenton Awards program seeks to assist students in obtaining highly responsible positions at government agencies and nonprofit organizations.  Employment responsibilities should involve substantive legal work.  Work of a primarily clerical nature does not qualify.  Examples of eligible employment include, but are not limited to, state and federal government agencies, prosecutor and public defender offices, legislative offices, public interest litigation, advocacy or policy groups, and nonprofit legal services organizations.  There are no geographic restrictions. 

The following types of employment are not eligible: employment with private law firms even if the firm does pro bono work; employment as a judicial law clerk; and employment with political campaigns.

Award Selection Criteria

Fenton Award recipients will be selected on the basis of merit without regard to political affiliation.  Financial need, as determined by the Office of Financial Aid, may be a consideration.  The awards seek to aid students who embody John E. Fenton, Jr.’s passion for public service.  The selection criteria include:

1. Demonstrated, exceptional commitment to public service law as a career, as evidenced by paid and volunteer work experience, activities, and academic work;
2. Academic achievement and/or significant achievement in a clinical, trial training (including mock trial competition) or law practice setting; and
3. Consideration may be given to whether the work of the agency or organization provides access to justice or services to traditionally underserved clients.

Application Process

To apply for a Fenton Award, please submit the following materials via Symplicity (click on the OCI tab and choose the “Fenton” session) by the deadline (usually the end of March):

1. Law school transcript (unofficial copy is acceptable);
2. Resume;
3. Personal statement describing why you wish to embark on a career in public service law and highlighting your past experiences and/or achievements in this area (no longer than 2 double-spaced pages).  If you have already accepted a qualifying public service position, indicate where and briefly describe your anticipated responsibilities.  If you have not yet secured a job, indicate the positions and employers you are pursuing and the progress of the application process.  Upload as “cover letter” on Symplicity;
4. A list of two professional and/or academic references with title and contact information.  Upload as “other document” on Symplicity; and
5. A document, signed and dated by the applicant, stating the following: “I understand that the Fenton Selection Committee may consider financial need and I hereby authorize the Office of Financial Aid to release information contained in my financial aid file to the Selection Committee.”  Upload as “other document” on Symplicity.