Fellowship Description

What is the Heyman Fellowship?

The Heyman Fellowship is designed to afford financial support and a community of peers to young Harvard Law School graduates who have secured or are pursuing a position in federal government. Approximately 15-20 Heyman Fellowships are awarded each spring to graduating 3Ls and graduates of the prior two years. Heyman Fellows agree to spend at least three years in federal government, and to act as mentors to Harvard Law students and graduates interested in federal government work. Each Heyman Fellow will receive a fellowship payment of $5,000. In addition, a subset of Heyman Fellows will be selected to receive loan repayment assistance of up to $25,000 based on their overall debt load. Click here for information on how to apply for a Heyman Fellowship.

Who is eligible for a Heyman Fellowship?

HLS students of the current graduating class and the two previous years are eligible to apply for the Heyman fellowship. For example, the class of 2009 will be eligible to apply the same year as the classes of 2008 and 2007.

What are the requirements of a Heyman Fellowship?

Federal placement

A Heyman Fellow must have or be actively seeking a federal government position. All federal placements are eligible, with the exception of federal judicial clerkships.

Three year commitment

Award recipients are required to remain in federal public service for three years.

Mentoring current HLS students

An important aspect of being a Heyman Fellow is the responsibility of mentoring current Harvard Law School students and new classes of Fellows. Fellows make themselves available to answer questions and offer advice to HLS students and alumni interested in pursuing work in the federal government.

Participating in Heyman Fellowship events

Heyman Fellows are expected to participate in activities throughout the year, such as attendance at the Heyman Fellowship Annual Dinner in Washington DC, speaking individually or on panels to students at HLS, and mentoring summer interns in their office, field, or city.

Where do Heyman Fellows work?

The Heyman Fellows are spread throughout the federal government and represent a diversity of interests and practice settings. Heyman Fellows are federal prosecutors and public defenders, work in national security, are foreign service officers, work on Capitol Hill in legislative offices, and practice in federal agencies over an enormous range of legal specialties including securities, civil rights, food and drug regulation, international trade, environmental, labor and tax law. Click here for the list of Heyman Fellows and their federal placements.