SKADDEN FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
Full-Time Position | Based in Nashville TN
For over 28 years, the Tennessee Justice Center (TJC) has been standing with vulnerable Tennessee families and helping them access basic necessities of life. After Congress placed restrictions on legal services programs, effectively creating a two-tier justice system, community and bar leaders from all parts of our state and from every part of the political spectrum, came together to form TJC to fill the gap. We help our neighbors one-by-one to cut through red tape to access vital, sometimes life-saving services like health care and nutrition benefits, and then use what we learn to improve systems affecting many more. Whether in the courtroom, newspaper, or Capitol, TJC advocates for a state that reflects our communities’ shared values, that protects the dignity and opportunity of every person, and that supports the health care and economic infrastructure on which all our communities depend.
Overview
TJC will sponsor a limited number of applicants for the Skadden Fellowship Program. The program requires applicants to develop a proposed project with a sponsoring legal agency. Selection for the fellowship is made by the national program and not by TJC. To maximize their chances, interested individuals should reach out to TJC as soon as possible due to the time required to develop projects acceptable to both TJC and applicants. Early applicants will be given preference.
The goal of the Skadden Fellowship Program is to provide support to 2025 law school graduates and outgoing judicial law clerks who want to work at an organization that provides civil legal services to the poor, including the homeless, the elderly, the disabled, or those deprived of their civil or human rights.
*TJC encourages applicants from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.
Terms
Salary and fringe benefits provided for two full years.
Eligibility
2025 law school graduates or outgoing law clerks who are not receiving any other fellowship or prize monies for the Skadden Fellowship duration are eligible. The grant-making panel will consider the worthiness of the proposed project’s goals as well as the applicant’s competency, character, and commitment.
Application procedure
Applicants should email an application, a proposed project, and additional information in conjunction with TJC, the sponsoring organization to skadden.foundation@skadden.com. Please CLICK HERE to access the Skadden Fellowship Application.
Interested individuals must submit a cover letter and resume to Brant Harrell, bharrell@tnjustice.org, with the subject line “Fellowship Opportunities." Please include in your cover letter a proposed project.
TJC deadline: August 15, 2024
Skadden Application deadline: September 6, 2024
Finalists notified: November 13, 2024
Fellows commence work: September 2025
For more information on the Skadden Fellowship Program, please visit www.skaddenfellowships.org/applicant