FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If you have questions that are not listed below, please don’t hesitate to contact our Fellows Coordinator at fellows@
Eligibility
- What kind of internship is eligible for funding through a TLF?
An internship at a qualified public interest organization where the applicant will work a full-time position over 10 weeks.
- What are qualified public interest organizations?
These include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, governmental agencies, and international organizations where the intern will be doing legal work. They do not include labor unions; lobbying, policy, or legislative entities; or judicial internships.
- Can I receive outside funding in addition to a TLF?
Yes. Because TLF is a separate entity from Texas Law, students may receive funds from both the Summer Public Service Program from Texas Law and TLF.
If you receive funding from another source—whether that is from a source within or outside of the law school—at any point in the application and selection process, or thereafter, you are obligated to notify us.
- Am I eligible for TLF funding if I am doing an internship for credit?
Unfortunately, no. The reasoning here is that students doing internships for credit can usually get financial aid for the summer, and we would like to make sure that as many students as possible have sufficient funding for the summer.
- What if I am splitting my summer?
If you are splitting your summer, you are still eligible to apply for a TLF so long as, in total, you will be working at least 10 weeks at qualified public interest organizations.
- Does TLF fund half-summers? / Am I eligible if I am splitting half of my summer between a qualified public interest organization and the other half at a non-qualified organization?
Generally, no.
- I have an offer contingent on a background check. My background check will not be complete before the application due date. Can I still apply for a TLF?
Yes. This is common for many government employers who must perform extensive background checks for security clearance. If your background check is pending at the time of application, your employer should indicate that in its certification letter and notify us once your background check has been cleared.
Application Requirements
- At minimum, what is needed to apply for a TLF?
At the very least, you should have an offer from a qualified public interest organization. You do not need to have accepted the offer, but it should be open and valid. Proof of acceptance will be required once you have been selected as a fellow.
Selecting Fellows
- How are Fellows Chosen?
The number of fellowships we award depends on fundraising. TLF will award fellowships to as many students as funds allow.
Fellowships are awarded based on a holistic review by the TLF Board of Directors. Applicants will remain anonymous during this process. The Board will consider the following:
- Commitment to public service, as shown by an applicant’s resume, class year, pro bono hours, and leadership activities.
- Demonstration of financial need.
- Qualification for practice area-specific funding.
Being a Texas Law Fellow
- Are there any requirements after receiving a TLF?
Fellowship recipients will be required to provide TLF with a photograph from their summer work and description of their internship experience. The Fellows Coordinator will collect photos and descriptions over the summer. TLF will feature these photos and descriptions in social media and marketing materials during the subsequent school year.
Be available to briefly speak or write about their summer experiences. Fellows will need to be available to speak briefly about their summer experiences to donors or other students. Fellows may be asked to write a short blurb about their summer experience for our TLF Spotlight series on our website.