How to Apply

Enrollment: You must be a 1L or 2L at an ABA-approved partner law school at the time of application. Part-time JD students and LLM students from eligible partner schools are welcome to apply, provided they meet the other eligibility requirements.

Status: You must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. resident, or DACA recipient with valid work authorization. International students on F-1 or J-1 visas are eligible to apply, as long as you have the proper work authorization for the duration of the fellowship. We strongly recommend verifying your specific visa requirements and any necessary authorizations with your law school’s international student office before applying.

Academic Standing: There is no minimum GPA requirement, but you must be in good academic standing with no pending disciplinary actions. We encourage all students who meet the other eligibility criteria to apply, especially those with a demonstrated interest in access to justice and technology.

A2J Tech Fellows in collaboration with our host partners seeks diverse and  passionate, driven law students who are deeply committed to expanding and innovating legal services for underserved and marginalized communities.
Successful candidates will demonstrate:

Commitment to Equity and Social Justice:
‍A clear dedication to uplifting underrepresented communities and dismantling systemic barriers to legal services. A track record (or strong interest) in pro bono, public interest, or social justice initiatives.

‍Passion for Technology and Innovation:
Genuine curiosity about how emerging tech tools, digital platforms, and human-centered design can improve the delivery of legal aid. Willingness to learn and experiment with new technologies that enhance access to justice.

‍Leadership and Collaboration Skills:
Ability to work effectively in teams, recognizing that systemic change often requires cross-sector partnerships (e.g., legal, tech, nonprofit). Strong communication, project management, or problem-solving abilities.

Self-Motivation and Adaptability:
Proactive, entrepreneurial mindset with a desire to take initiative and drive solutions forward.
Flexibility to adapt to evolving legal landscapes, client needs, and emerging technologies.

We strongly encourage that all prospective applicants to attend one of our Virtual Informational Sessions. Links to register for upcoming sessions will be posted on our website and shared via our mailing list. During these sessions, you’ll have the opportunity to:

Learn About the Fellowship Structure
Hear From Program Staff and Alumni
Discover Application Tips
Get Your Questions Answered

As part of your application, you’ll have the chance to indicate your preference for which host employer you’d like to work with during the fellowship. We use a ranking system to match fellows with the host site that best aligns with their skills, interests, and career goals.
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‍Review Position Descriptions: browse the full list of host employer projects on our website. Each description outlines the organization’s mission, the fellowship responsibilities, and any relevant technology initiatives or areas of legal practice.

‍Rank Your Top Three: in your application, you’ll rank your top three host employer choices. Consider factors like subject-matter focus, location, required skill sets, and potential mentorship or networking opportunities.
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Once the application period opens, you will use our SurveyMonkey Apply portal to submit all materials. After registering, you will be directed to the application form for the A2J Tech Fellows Program. Here, you will fill out:

Personal Information: Enter your basic details and contact information.

Educational Background: Provide details about your law school, including confirmation that it is an eligible partner institution.

Essay Questions: Respond to questions designed to gauge your interest in access to justice, legal technology, and your readiness to contribute as a fellow.

Resume or CV:
‍Highlight relevant legal, tech, and public interest experience.

‍Personal Statement (500-750 words):
‍Describe your commitment to public interest law and technology. Explain how this fellowship aligns with your career goals. Showcase any leadership, volunteer, or community work that reflects your passion for access to justice.

‍Law School Transcript or Letter of Academic Good Standing (Unofficial):
‍Ensure the transcript is clear and current.

‍Faculty Recommendation:
‍Secure one recommendation from a faculty member at your law school (some applicants choose to include two total letters of recommendation, if desired). Confirm that your recommender has your SurveyMonkey Apply recommendation link, or confirm how they will submit their letter directly through the portal. We suggest reaching out to a professor or faculty advisor who is familiar with your academic performance, work ethic, and career interests in access to justice and technology. Ensure you secure their support early so they have ample time to provide a thoughtful recommendation.

Verify all required documents have been uploaded. Once finalized, submit your application through SurveyMonkey Apply. Give yourself plenty of time to draft essays, request transcripts, and line up recommenders. Thoroughly check your application for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism. Double-check your application form for accuracy.

Once your application is submitted, it will be reviewed by our selection committee. Top applicants will be invited to participate in a virtual interview, where you will have the opportunity to further discuss your qualifications and project ideas. Successful candidates will be notified in March and will begin their fellowship in June.

A selection committee reviews all applications to identify candidates who best demonstrate. Finalists will participate in a virtual interview (via Zoom or a similar platform) with a panel of program staff and, in some cases, host-site representatives. This is your chance to elaborate on your application, discuss your interests, and ask any questions about the fellowship.

Only students from our designated partner law schools may apply. If you are unsure whether your school is a partner, contact your career services office or email us at a2jtechfellows@pennlaw.edu.

Application Opens: Fall 2025 (exact date to be announced)
Application Deadline: January 2026
Finalist Notifications: Mid February 2026
Fellowship Start Date: June 2026

All applications must be submitted through our SurveyMonkey Apply portal. When the application opens, you’ll create an account, complete the online form, and upload the required documents.

Check our Application Portal Help section or contact us at a2jtechfellows@pennlaw.edu with a detailed explanation of the issue. You can also consult SurveyMonkey Apply’s support articles or their help desk if the issue relates to the platform itself.