Top Law Schools

rising 3L at CCN, interested in civil rights litigation.

is it a terrible idea to forgo applying to the "projected-based" fellowships (EJW, Skadden, etc.)? I'm wondering just in general terms of being able to find a job, as well as future opportunities. Is there much difference between working at say, the NAACP as a Skadden fellow vs working there as through some other fellowship (through school or other sources)? I'm going to start applying for clerkships soon but obviously at this point am probably out of luck. also have an offer at a big firm which perhaps gives me a little more room to be selective in terms of where i apply.

Anonymous User wrote:rising 3L at CCN, interested in civil rights litigation.

is it a terrible idea to forgo applying to the "projected-based" fellowships (EJW, Skadden, etc.)? I'm wondering just in general terms of being able to find a job, as well as future opportunities. Is there much difference between working at say, the NAACP as a Skadden fellow vs working there as through some other fellowship (through school or other sources)? I'm going to start applying for clerkships soon but obviously at this point am probably out of luck. also have an offer at a big firm which perhaps gives me a little more room to be selective in terms of where i apply.

I'm only a 2L, so take this with a grain of salt.

I don't know a ton about the institutional fellowships at CCN, but it seems like one of the strengths of starting your career through the EJW/Skadden fellowship is that you've gone through the process of developing a project and plan for your time. Even if I was working for an organization as well regarded as LDF, I wouldn't just surrender what is arguably the most important year of my career without having a firm commitment from them about how they were going to use me. So if your alternative fellowship doesn't involve a concrete jointly agreed upon proposal between you and your host, I'd be concerned about that.

Secondly, hosts want to keep a good relationship with EJW and Skadden. If your supervision is shitty and the work you're doing is somehow inappropriate, they can advocate for you. They could even refuse to fund future fellows put forward by your host if you're treated poorly. Going on your lonesome without that kind of institutional support can make a difference in how you're treated (unless your school also provides that kind of advocacy).

Both of those can effect the quality of your work and thus your ability to get future opportunities.

Thirdly, with EJW and Skadden you get the network, not just the funding. There are Skaddens who are partners at big law firms, EDs of non-profits, and in high level government positions. They're lifelong advocates for each other. Probably similarly true for EJW. That can make a difference as you transition at different points in your career.