NLF Community Law Fellowship


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The NAPABA Law Foundation Community Law Fellowship Program was launched in 2004 to address the need for attorneys working on behalf of the Asian Pacific American populations. Recognizing that many obstacles prevent committed attorneys from practicing public interest law, including the shortage of entry-level jobs, the NLF Community Law Fellowship provides an opportunity for a new attorney to gain substantive experience at a nonprofit, national, or community-based organization during the two-year Fellowship period. The NAPABA Law Foundation Community Law Fellowship Program seeks to develop the public interest law leaders of the future, whether they continue to work in the nonprofit arena or become pro bono advocates in the private bar.

The NAPABA Law Foundation Community Law Fellowship Program was established by a generous gift from Paul W. Lee of Goodwin Procter LLP to The NAPABA Law Foundation. Today, the NAPABA Law Foundation makes available and funds the Community Law Fellow. The NAPABA Law Foundation Community Law Fellowship Program is currently funded through the generous gifts of NAPABA members and Friends of NLF. The Program is administered through the NAPABA Law Foundation, which is a charitable organization that awards scholarships, internships and fellowships, runs the Thomas Tang National Moot Court Competition and presents other educational programs to advance issues important to the Asian Pacific American community.

Fellowship Details

The NAPABA Law Foundation Community Law Fellowship Program requires a two-year commitment from the Fellow and Host Organization, which runs from September 2026 through August 2028. Earlier start dates might be possible for certain applicants (e.g., judicial clerks, recent law grads) provided that the total Fellowship does not exceed 24 months.

The NAPABA Law Foundation Community Law Fellowship Program provides funds directly to the Host Organization for the Fellowship, including a salary of $60,000 per year with a $10,000 payment to the Fellow upon completion of the Fellowship. The Host Organization shall be the employer of the Fellow and will be responsible for providing health and fringe benefits.

Important Dates & Deadlines

July 10, 2025               The 2026-28 application is available

December 1, 2025      One-page Prospectus and Resume due by 5 pm ET (Optional)

December 31, 2025    Prospectus feedback sent to interested applicants

February 15, 2026      Application due by 5pm ET

Feb. – March, 2026     Interviews begin for selected candidates

April 2026                   Fellowship awarded

September 2026         Community Law Fellow begins service