Program Overview

In 2002 Hofstra University established an unprecedented fellowship program for students engaged in advocacy on behalf of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. This program is designed to demonstrate Hofstra's commitment to equality and support for LGBT individuals. The Law School's participation in the Hofstra University LGBT fellowship program includes the Fellowship for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights. The fellowship program is open to persons of all sexual orientations in recognition of the diversity of individuals who may ally themselves with sexual equality, and to underscore the importance of alliances between the LGBT community and the community at large.

Fellows have the opportunity to enroll in a comprehensive course of study devoted to equality, including courses in Sexuality and the Law, Sex Based Discrimination, Practical LGBT Lawyering, Jurisprudence, or an independent study designed to address issues of particular concern to the LGBT community. Fellows are also invited to attend Hofstra Law School’s Colloquium on Law & Sexuality.

After their first and second years of law school, fellows are encouraged to complete two 10-week summer externships at non profit organizations devoted to legal advocacy on behalf of the LGBT community. Externships enable students to integrate the practical experience of full-time work with their formal legal training. Hofstra Law School provides fellows with a $7,500 stipend to cover living expenses while completing approved summer externships. At the end of the summer, students are required to submit written reports to the director on their externships.

Upon graduation, fellows are expected to commit to helping further the civil rights advancement efforts of the LGBT community through LGBT related advocacy and organizations.