Bridge to Practice: Information for Employers

Timing

Work start dates should be arranged between the fellow and host employer and typically will be between August and October. A fellowship should be eight weeks of full-time work, with the expectation of one four-week extension upon satisfaction of extension requirements. The duration and hours per week may be modified to best fit the needs of the host and fellow and additional extensions are available under certain circumstances.

 

What we ask of host employers

• We ask that you commit to providing a meaningful work experience for your fellow.

• We ask that you support and facilitate the fellow’s pursuit of long-term employment through professional feedback and networking support. During the fellowship, graduates will be in regular communication with a Duke Law School career counselor about the graduate’s current work and ongoing plans to secure sub¬sequent long-term employment. Fellowship supervisors and career counselors may also communicate during the fellowship, and your support of these efforts is encouraged.

• You are not expected to pay your fellow’s stipend; fellowships are funded by Duke Law alumni, donors and other resources.

• You are not expected to permanently hire your fellow or to invite the fellow to remain at your organization beyond the fellowship period. A number of past hosts and fellows have decided to extend their relationship, and many fellowships have transitioned into long-term employment. Any work arrangements that extend beyond the fellowship term are to be determined by the host and fellow.

• Your fellow may secure a long-term position prior to or during the fellowship. We ask for your understanding in the event that your fellow cannot complete the fellowship. If this happens, the Duke Law Career Center will work closely with you to ensure that your organization’s needs are met.

 

Recent host employers

ACLU of Washington State SEATTLE, WA
Americans for Immigrant Justice MIAMI, FL
Bet Tzedak Legal Services LOS ANGELES, CA
Center for Creative Land Recycling SAN FRANCISCO, CA
Office of the District Attorney DURHAM, NC; NEW CITY, NY; SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA
Environmental Defense Fund BOULDER, CO
Florida Attorney General’s Office TALLAHASSEE, FL
Hon. J. Moody, Jr., Middle District of Florida TAMPA, FL
Hon. Mary Ellen Coster Williams, Court of Federal Claims WASHINGTON, DC
NC Department of Justice, Attorney General’s Office RALEIGH, NC
Office of the Public Defender WHEATON, IL; ROCKVILLE, MD; DURHAM, NC; ORANGE COUNTY, CA; WASHINGTON, DC; PORTLAND, OR
Selman Breitman SAN FRANCISCO, CA
The Legal Aid Society NEW YORK, NY
Mason LLP WASHINGTON, DC
Southwest Airlines DALLAS, TX
United States Department of Veteran Affairs WINSTON-SALEM, NC
Whatley, Kallas LLC NEW YORK, NY

 

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“We hired a Duke Law graduate last year. We had a large number of highly qualified and experienced applicants, but he was great, and all the references ⎯ particularly those about his ‘practice abilities’ from his Bridge to Practice Fellowship host employer ⎯ made me confident that he is the right choice for us.”

Kendra Montgomery Blinn
N.C. Innocence Inquiry Commission

“The two Bridge Fellows working with us were responsible and eager to learn about the many facets of our work. They quickly became part of the team, contributing important work to a wide variety of projects while honing their research, writing, and reviewing skills. We look forward to hosting future Fellows and recommend the program to other organizations. Duke Law School’s support for their students and the profession through Bridge to Practice is clear, and we appreciate being involved.”

Leslie Chambers Strohm
Vice Chancellor and General Counsel, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill