Applicant requirements: Applicants must apply in the spring prior to their graduation from Vanderbilt. Fellowship terms will begin the fall after graduation. Applicants should have a demonstrated commitment to public interest work and must secure a sponsorship commitment from a host organization. Together, the applicant and the host organization should develop a project proposal that will address unmet legal needs or advance the rights of underserved populations.

Host organization requirements: The host organization must be a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization or public defender's office with at least one attorney on staff. The host organization must be willing to employ the fellow during the one-year fellowship term and allow the fellow to enroll in its health insurance plan. The host organization must also commit to providing the fellow with the legal supervision and support needed to complete the project successfully.

Project requirements: The project must involve legal advocacy on behalf of underserved individuals or populations. The project may be civil or criminal in focus, though projects in the area of indigent defense should involve an innovative approach to systemic issues instead of routine individual representation.