Is this the LSFN fellowship?
LAAC is the new home of the LSFN fellowship! For more information about the LSFN Fellowship’s history, see here. Many of our links, especially in 2026, will link to historical information provided by the Legal Services Funders Network while we build out the new home of the fellowship at LAAC.
The LSFN fellowship was designed in the midst of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic to address the needs of Bay Area Legal Services Organizations to increase their capacity to serve more clients, and May 2020 graduates of Bay Area law schools, who were faced with a delay in their ability to take the California Bar Exam, as the July, 2020 test had been delayed. As the program continued, it was clear that it needed a permanent home.
Finding permanent employment in civil legal aid is difficult for recent grads, and this program creates bridge funding that allows graduates time to study for and take the California Bar Exam and build their resume and skills – while also providing that important capacity to legal services organizations.
How do you apply?
Both the law school graduates and Host Legal Services Organizations (LSOs) apply using an online application. The application will be posted on our website by April 3, 2026.
How many Fellows and LSO Hosts are in a cohort?
The number of fellowships is dependent upon our fundraising efforts this spring. We aim to have 25 Fellows in the summer of 2026. We unfortunately are unable to accept all qualified applicants and LSO Hosts. Based on recent years, the acceptance rate has been between 50-60%.
How is the Fellow’s stipend paid?
Payment is done electronically via Bill.com. Fellows will receive instructions re: how to sign up and will be expected to provide all tax-related documents in advance (W-9) and enroll in bill.com for direct deposit of their funds. The payments will be done in three tranches: June, September and November. The planned Fellow stipend for 2026 is $16,000.
What about the LSO Host Stipend?
Payment is made in a single transfer of funds in August via bill.com if the host has a bill.com account. Otherwise, the payment will be by mailed check. The planned host stipend for 2026 is $1,500.
Can a Fellow receive funding from other fellowship programs simultaneously?
Yes. We do not restrict other sources of funding, but note that other fellowship programs might not allow you to receive outside funds.
What is the source of the funds that are being paid to the Fellows and the LSOs?
The funds come from contributions made by previous supporters of the LSFN fellowship. We are working to expand the program in the future and hope to count new funders as supporters.
What about health insurance? And how are Fellows classified?
This fellowship is a post-graduate learning opportunity that offers recent law school graduates firsthand experience and training in various fields of poverty law. Fellows will receive a stipend to help with living costs, educational loan payments, and transportation. The stipend is a lump sum (paid in three installments) and we recommend that LSO Hosts not attempt to compute an hourly “rate.” That said, Fellows do track the time they spend with their LSOs for both data analysis and for LSOs to determine how much time is being devoted to assignments/tasks. The stipend may be considered taxable income and we expect Fellows to do their own research and seek guidance from tax advisors as to how this may affect their personal taxes. As the fellowship is a temporary position, we do not expect or anticipate LSO Hosts to provide fellows with benefits (health insurance, vacation and/or sick pay). For Fellows in need of health insurance, we have a resource page that highlights several low cost options.
Why are only certain law schools and counties included?
Matching Fellows and LSOs in the same or a nearby county is important to us to make this a “locals helping locals program,” limit commutes, and avoid the need for relocation. Historically, the fellowship funded only Bay Area placements, but we are expanding to organizations that serve rural Californians in 2026 and plan to further expand in 2027. Fellows must attend California law schools.
Can a 2026 Fellow reside outside of the Bay Area?
Yes, in two instances. If the fellow has applied to work with a “rural serving” LSO, we require that the fellow live within commuting distance. LSOs require in-person work either full or part-time. As a result, we do not offer the fellowship to graduates who do not plan to reside in the Bay Area, Northern California, or near the “rural serving” organization they co-apply with.
When are the Fellows expected to work?
This is a part-time fellowship. The commitment is 400hrs (375hrs are devoted to the LSO Host and 25hrs to the learning sessions and support for the larger LSFN program) in total, with approximately 7-8 hrs being completed by June 15th and the remainder after the bar exam. The initial 7-8 hrs before June 15 is broken down into three portions:
(1) Four (4) hours attending Learning Sessions
(2) Two (2) hours for “onboarding” tasks such as: PTLS forms, creating/updating LinkedIn profiles, registering on Slack, etc.
(3) 30 min “check-in” with your primary mentor
(4) One to two (1-2) hours for the initial meeting with the LSO Host. This can include activities such as: meeting with the Fellow’s supervisor(s), attending a staff meeting, onboarding and reviewing the LSOs handbook/other operations materials, reviewing substantive law related to the LSOs focus (this may include PLI and Bar Association training videos) and potentially observing a client meeting, court hearing or policy meeting. Note: Fellows may complete more hours pre-bar if they chose to do so.
Will I be expected to work while I study for the Bar Exam?
Fellows may not be scheduled to work during the six week period from mid June through the Bar Exam date. Fellows must re-engage with their LSO Host by mid-August. The remainder of the schedule is up to the Fellow and LSO Host. Many Fellows take a break after the Bar Exam, start full-time with their LSO Host in mid-August and complete their time before the end of October. Others opt to rejoin their LSO Host immediately after the bar exam, work 15-20 hours each week and stay through early December. A sample schedule chart is available. We also ask that LSO Hosts not expect Fellows to be available during Fellows cohort programs (usually held on the first TH of each month from 3:00-5:00pm) and during Bar prep course times.
What happens after the Fellow completes their hours?
Historically, about half of the prior LSFN Fellows stayed on with their LSO Host as staff attorneys, law clerks or in year-long fellowships. For many, the transition is almost seamless, as they execute job offers prior to completion of the fellowship and don’t have a time gap between roles. Other Fellows opt to continue “pro bono” while they search for employment or prepare to take the bar exam again. Some Fellows accept job offers from other employers and depart their LSO Hosts once they have completed the 375 hours commitment (Note: all 2026 Fellows are required to attend Learning Sessions through November to receive the final stipend, even if they complete their LSO Hosts hours sooner).
Can we apply to the Fellowship program to extend the duration of a law student volunteer/intern we currently have?
Yes! “Joint” applications are prioritized. Historically, close to 50% of past LSFN Fellows and LSO Hosts applied via this option.
Can additional application materials be submitted/requested?
LSO Hosts who opt to apply via the “joint application process” may schedule interviews with prospective fellows and ask for additional materials prior to submitting their application to the fellowship. However, for those who opt for the “solo” application track, we have intentionally designed this application process to be simple, straightforward and equitable, and as a result additional materials cannot be submitted with the application. That said, applicants may visit internet sites such as LinkedIn to learn more about a prospective Fellow or LSO Host.
How can I find a prospective Fellow or LSO Hosts to apply with “jointly”?
The majority of past “joint applications” came from law students who have interned at their LSO Host previously/or are interning at the time they submit their applications. However, each year, there was at least one Fellow applicant who on their own reached out to a potential LSO Host and applied jointly. We have a list of all past LSO hosts on our website.
Is there a required minimum GPA to participate in the program?
No. We do not require a minimum GPA to participate in the Fellowship, nor do we request such information as part of the application process.
What if I am not a US citizen?
You do not have to be a US citizen to participate as a fellow. All Fellows must be authorized for employment in the United States without employer sponsorship.
How many prospective Fellows/LSOs can be interviewed?
Prospective LSO Hosts who apply via the “joint application track” with their prospective fellows matches may schedule interviews with prospective fellows at their own discretion. Matching “solo” applicants is done very thoughtfully by our staff. We provide each applicant with one interview at a time. Over 80% of the time both the law student and LSO Host mutually agreed they were a good fit. In a few very rare situations this is not the case and we send a second applicant to be interviewed. We do not allow consideration of more than one prospective Fellow/LSO Host at the same time.
Can we get a copy of the MOU in advance?
Yes, we will post our MOU and other relevant materials on our website after the April 3, 2026 info session. See our 2025 agreement here.
What is required in terms of reporting?
It is up to each host LSO to determine the data and measurables that they want their Fellow(s) to track, per that organization’s norm. We provide a simple form to track hours as well. As for what will be required in the mid-term and final reports, they will be straightforward and simple to complete.
Can I talk to a past Fellow or LSO Host to better understand the program?
At our April 3 Fellowship Informational Session (via zoom at 3pm PT) we will have several alumni Fellows and LSO Hosts on hand to answer questions. You are also welcome to watch the recording of Stakeholder Briefings for prior cohorts, which are on the LSFN Fellowship website. Here is the link to the 2025 briefing. In addition, this year we have mentors from our 2024 Fellows cohort and LSO Host mentors available as well to help LSOs with planning and answering questions.
I’m an LSO Host. What types of tasks can I give a Fellow?
As our Fellows have graduated from law school and have prior legal experience, the tasks they should be assigned are very similar to what you would give to a new staff attorney. We ask that LSO Hosts give their Fellows meaningful legal work and expose them to a range of tasks and experiences. We recommend that LSO Hosts review the State Bar PTLS site to review limitations.
Can we apply for a Fellow for a specific department at our LSO?
Yes. In fact, for generalist LSOs we ask that you identify the specific department(s) you are envisioning your Fellow supporting. For subject matter specific LSOs (such as immigration) or those who serve specific populations (such as Seniors), we ask that LSO Hosts specify in their applications the specific legal issues the Fellow may cover. This information is needed so we ensure grant compliance with our funders, who may fund only specific substantive legal issues, geography, or client communities.
When does the PTLS expire?
The State Bar of California controls the duration of the provisional license. Based on the current rules and July bar exam, the license would expire in mid-November.
What if we want to offer the Fellow a job after the Fellowship concludes?
That would be great! In 2024 well over half of the LSFN Fellows continued on with their LSO Hosts or another LSO Host. Many of our past Fellows complete their hours in October and transition to staff attorney or law clerk roles mid-month. We do require that Fellows who complete their hours “early” still attend our Learning Sessions and complete their final evaluations even if they accept other jobs prior to the end of the Fellowship season.
Have more questions?
Feel free to submit them to us via Fellowships@LAAConline.org. We will prioritize written questions submitted in advance at our April 3rd Zoom session and will post updates to these FAQs on our website.