LEIF Program

LAFLA awards fellowships to a select number of eligible summer law clerks through the LEIF Program, launched in 2021. LAFLA recognizes the existence of racial inequity in the educational system and the lack of diversity in the legal community. LAFLA also acknowledges the importance of a legal community that represents our client community. 

• Students who have already accepted a formal offer to join the LAFLA Summer Law Clerk Program;
• Identify as a member of a group that is historically underrepresented in the practice of law (e.g., ethnically diverse persons, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ persons);
• Demonstrate a commitment to racial equity and inclusivity;
• Be willing to join and remain a member of the LEIF Program community during and after the summer law clerk program, to connect with future fellows and support the continued growth of the LEIF Program.
• At this time, LEIF fellowships may be awarded to a student only once. Former LEIF fellows may return to the Summer Law Clerk Program, but may not be awarded the LEIF fellowship.
  

The first step to applying for LEIF is to apply for the LAFLA Summer Law Clerk Program. You can apply online here or through a law student hiring event. For details about the Summer 2024 Law Clerk Program, please visit our Law Students page.

Once you accept an offer to join the Summer Law Clerk Program, you can apply for LEIF by completing the LEIF Application Form and sending your personal statement to fellowships@lafla.org.

Again, please note you must have already accepted an offer to join the Summer Law Clerk Program. Otherwise, your application will not be considered.

The LEIF Application period begins mid-February and ends on April 15, 2024.

When selecting fellows, LAFLA will consider:

• Demonstrated commitment to racial equity and inclusivity
• Financial need
• Demonstrated leadership ability
• Community service
• Personal and academic achievements

Fellows will be selected through the application review process described below to advance to the interview stage.  

The LEIF Review Committee is comprised of members of LAFLA’s Law Student Recruitment Committee and Race Equity Initiative. Each application will be carefully considered by several members of the LEIF Review Committee.

Interviews will then be conducted with a LAFLA Director and/or Manager.

Those selected to interview will be invited in late April and interviewed early May. Those chosen for the LEIF Program will be notified early May, before the Summer Program begins.

Please consider this timeline if you decide to apply.

In addition to participating in all Summer Law Clerk Program events, LEIF fellows also participate in weekly LEIF meetings and engage in a final summer project. 

LEIF fellows will receive up to a total of $10,000 in reimbursements for payments made for school tuition or school loans over the span of two years.

Please note: you will be required to show proof of payment on tuition or student loans in order to receive reimbursement. LAFLA cannot consider a list of financial aid received. Reimbursements are split into 2 payments – the first to be sent at the end of June, and the second the following January. This is done to keep as reimbursement, rather than income that will be taxed. You may request the second payment in July, but note this will mean you will be taxed.

Please consider these requirements and timeline if you decide to apply.

Yes. We understand that your circumstances may change following submission. Please update us as soon as possible by emailing us at fellowships@lafla.org.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about LAFLA! Please see our mission statement and check out our 90+ year history. We also encourage students to get familiar with our services and workgroups by going to our ‘Get Help’ page.