Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I apply to the Summer Fellows Program?
A: Here are the steps you should be following to apply to the Summer Fellows Program:
STEP 1: Draft a cover letter and resume. For good examples of a legal resume and cover letter download the CSO Handbook from the Symplicity website by logging in here.
STEP 2: Applicants MUST meet with a Career Services counselor to review and edit your cover letter and resume prior to applying. You can send your resume and cover letter for review to cso@nesl.edu. CSO will also have names of potential summer internship placements to help you begin your placement search. To make an appointment to speak with a CSO Counselor call 617-422-7229.
STEP 3: Begin your search for a placement. It helps to generate a list of contacts that could help you find a placement and a list of public interest organizations, state agencies, and/or court systems (for judicial clerkships) that interest you. Once you have a general idea of who you would like to work for, you can contact a CSO counselor or the CLSR Fellow for suggestions on how to apply for an internship.
STEP 4: Apply. While you are beginning your search for an internship, you should apply to the Summer Fellows Program. There is no hard deadline to apply –applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. However, applications are strongly encouraged to apply early. By early to mid-February, your application should be completed and submitted through Symplicity. You DO NOT need to wait until you have accepted a placement to apply.
Q: How do I find the application form?
A: The form, including important application instructions, are located on Symplicity. Here are the steps to guide you to the job posting:
- Log into the Symplicity website by clicking here.
- Click the "Job Postings" menu at the top center
- Select "CSO Jobnet"
- Search for "New England Law Boston" as an employer or search for the posting title "Public Interest Law Summer Fellowship“
Note: Applicants must download the form, fill all fields electronically, print the form, scan the hard copy as a pdf, and upload the pdf to the applicant’s documents on Symplicity. Once the applicant’s application, cover letter, resume, references, and transcript are uploaded to their Symplicity account, the applicant will be able to select each document through the "Apply" link on the job posting.
Q: Should I wait until I find a position and then apply with the CLSR or apply now and see if I can secure a position on my own?
A: No, you should not wait to secure a placement before applying to the program. If you secure a placement after you have submitted your application, email CLSR Fellow Kevin Crane at kevin.t.crane@nesl.edu with your placement information. Include the name of the entity you are working for, the address, supervisor’s name, supervisor’s contact information, and whether or not the placement has an established internship program that includes training and supervision.
Q: Who should I send the application to?
A: Applications should be submitted through Symplicity. If you secure a placement after submitting your application, email CLSR Fellow Kevin Crane atkevin.t.crane@nesl.edu with the information described above.
Q: Do my references have to be connected with NESL?
A: No, your references are not required to be connected with NESL. An applicant should consider listing references that will speak to the applicant’s relevant professional skills and abilities and interest in public service.
Q: What are the next steps in the application process?
A: After submitting an application, students should diligently look for an internship placement on their own. After your application has been reviewed by the CSLR, selected applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview.
Q: Will the stipend of $3,500 dollars affects what I may borrow for the year for my financial aid?
A: Applicants should consult with financial aid to address issues about how the stipend impacts their broader financial situation.
Q: Will I get paid weekly or will I be given the stipend in the beginning?
A: A final decision on how the stipend will be distributed is forthcoming. Last year fellows were paid in two installments, once in the middle of the summer, and once at the end of the summer.
