Skadden fellowships? Forum

[Anonymous User]

Has anyone heard about interviews? Someone here at NYU said she thought they were already making calls.

[Anonymous User]

interested in knowing about this too

[Anonymous User]

Me too. Any Skadden-connected people out there who can give us some info?

[Dania]

yes, i know a few people with interviews starting tomorrow and through wednesday.

[Anonymous User]

Have they cut the field to 50? Have rejection notes gone out already?

[Kohinoor]

Have they cut the field to 50? Have rejection notes gone out already?

Yes and I don't know.

[Anonymous User]

Wait, they've already made the final cuts? Are people who are eliminated notified by mail or email? Thanks for the info! *waiting nervously*

[Anonymous User]

Rejections were mailed. Got mine today.

[Anonymous User]

What is a fellowship? Is it like an SA?

[vamedic03]

What is a fellowship? Is it like an SA?

Because I'm nice, I'll tell you what it is: Its a very prestigious post graduate fellowship for public interest work.

But, this is an absolutely ridiculous use of anonymous posting.

[underdawg]

a lot of public interest work is funded by fellowships. basically you give them a plan as to how you'll save the world in an innovative fashion (with 1-2 summers of PI work under your belt), you get $, then you become another public interest staff attorney, at least until you get some actual experience. it's a weird system.

[Anonymous User]

Does anyone know if phone calls have started going out this year?

[Anonymous User]

bump

[Anonymous User]

Yes at least some calls went out last Tuesday (the 11th).

[Anonymous User]

Bump. Does anyone know if calls have started going out this year?

[BlueLotus]

Is there a GPA cutoff? Is journal a must?

[Anonymous User]

They made phone calls for semi finalists a week ago (2014). They're already interviewing for this year. I don't think there's a firm GPA cutoff.

[Anonymous User]

Is there a GPA cutoff? Is journal a must?

If by journal you mean the flagship law review/journal of your institution, then no.

If you mean any old journal at your institution, I couldn't tell you.

[KD35]

Is there a GPA cutoff? Is journal a must?

If by journal you mean the flagship law review/journal of your institution, then no.

If you mean any old journal at your institution, I couldn't tell you.

I think what they are asking is what kind of stats do you need?

Like top 10% at T14 with LR ed board position or what?

[Anonymous User]

Not how Skadden (or pretty much any fellowship) makes selections. Rock-solid PI credentials and a specific plan for your fellowship placement matter much, much more than grades/LR/school.

[Anonymous User]

Apparently letters have gone out or should be going out soon to those who won't be moving forward. Has anyone received one of these?

[Anonymous User]

Not how Skadden (or pretty much any fellowship) makes selections. Rock-solid PI credentials and a specific plan for your fellowship placement matter much, much more than grades/LR/school.

This is incorrect. I met with Susan Plum when she visited my law school to talk about Skadden. I was in the top 20% of my class when I met with her, and she said that it wasn't high enough, considering the ranking of my school. She said they look for the top of their class, and they consider your school. They also look for moot court and journal experience. She told me to get my grades up if I wanted to be considered. She did not tap around the issue- she was very clear, and said they only want "the best of the best" and they expect your school, resume and grades to reflect such. I was quite put off by meeting with her, actually.

I still applied, because I really wanted a fellowship for the work I want to pursue. I have been continuously interning/clerking with places since summer after 1L. I served in service organization, and worked in nonprofits pre-law school. When I applied, I'm in the top 15% of my class, almost top 10%, and have the extracurrics. I applied to work with a wonderful organization I previously assisted with, on a project that was solidly planned with the organization and would have great supervision.

I say the above because I was not even offered an interview. I don't know if it was my school's non-T14 ranking, if I didn't get my grades high enough, or they didn't like my project or organization. But with spending my entire law school experience and pre-law school experience in service positions, and a solid plan, I at least *hoped* for an interview. Now, I wish I hadn't wasted my time completing the application and asking people to write the recommendations for me, honestly. I know three other people, with PI experience similar to mine, none in T-14 schools, but all with high grades and strong resumes. Not even 1 of the 3 were offered interviews.

I would encourage others in situations similar to mine to not rely on an interview from Skadden. Consider Soros, EJW and other potential funding sources. Because if you're a non-T14, below top 10% of your class, your chances seem slim. It's not about the best of the best in regards to PI experience. It's about prestige.

Just my opinion and experience though- maybe others have more positive opinions, experiences, or stories to share with the Skadden Fellowship program.

[pie4ever]

I'm applying for a Skadden this year and worried that my GPA is not good enough.
3.45 at a T14 law school, with journal and clinic experience and a solid PI background.
Am I completely out of the running?

[Anonymous User]

Bump

Have calls started going out this year?

[Anonymous User]

heard calls are supposed to come out today and tomorrow.....anyone heard today?