FELLOWSHIPS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
The time for true equality for LGBTQIA+ people is now.
This battle may be the civil rights movement of the century in the United States and around the globe. LGBTQIA+ Rights Fellows at the Maurice A. Deane School of Law are fighting that battle in legal, legislative, political and electoral areas at the local, state, national and international levels.
At Hofstra Law, LGBTQIA+ Rights Fellows learn the legal skills necessary to succeed in their fight for LGBTQIA+ rights in such areas as hate crime protections, employment discrimination and international human rights. Through policy work, scholarship and direct representation, LGBTQIA+ Rights Fellows have the opportunity to make an impact and promote change in the world.
OUTLaw is a student organization at Hofstra Law for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex law students — as well as their allies — with a mission to provide a unified voice for the LGBTQIA+ community and inspire collective action.
Up to three LGBTQIA+ Rights Fellows are chosen each year from students admitted to the entering class. Fellows are chosen based on demonstrated academic ability and experience advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights. Advocacy may include political activity, providing legal assistance to LGBTQIA+ social-support networks, and other forms of social justice work related to LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities. Upon graduation, Fellows are expected to commit to helping further LGBTQIA+ equality. The Fellowship is open to persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
Fellows are eligible for up to two $7,500 stipends to support LGBTQIA+ rights-related summer internships with nonprofit or government employers.
In order to maintain their fellowship, Fellows are expected to fully participate in program activities and internships and meet all academic requirements.
While at Hofstra Law, LGBTQIA+ Rights Fellows have made an impact on LGBTQIA+ equality through a variety of activities. For example, they have:
- participated in a 10-week judicial internship rotation with openly gay and lesbian judges through the LGBTQIA+ Bar Association of Greater New York’s Hank Henry Fellowship
- represented refugees seeking asylum on account of their sexual orientation or gender identity
- attended the National LGBTQIA+ Bar Association’s Lavender Law Conference & Career Fair
- assisted with the semiannual Name & Gender Marker Change Clinic for transgender and gender-nonconforming adults, youths and children
- enrolled in courses such as Sexuality, Gender and the Law; Employment Discrimination; and International Human Rights Law
The program celebrates 16 years of alumni who make an impact every day and continue to serve as mentors to our LGBTQIA+ Rights Fellows. Fellows have gone to work at law firms, public-policy organizations, government agencies and nonprofit organizations that provide legal services for indigent clients.
To be considered for the LGBTQIA+ Fellowship, you must first be admitted to Hofstra Law. After you have been admitted, you will be able to access the application and further instructions online at my.hofstra.edu.
A completed application should include:
- A résumé.
- A personal statement.
- Two letters of recommendation.
Finalists will be invited to interview with the Selection Committee.
Deadline: June 15 (rolling admissions)
For More Information:
Contact the Office of Enrollment Management at lawcounselor@hofstra.edu.
Hofstra Law offers fellowships and scholarships designed to support outstanding students and prepare them for leadership across the legal profession.