LGBTQIA+ Rights Fellowship

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:

• represented refugees seeking asylum on account of their sexual orientation or gender identity
• 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
• 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 law.hofstra.edu/AdmittedStudents.

A completed application should include:

1. A résumé.
2. A personal statement.
3. 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.