The Fellowship Year

Opportunities

A variety of educational and social opportunities broaden the fellowship experience. Fellows have access to some of the Federal Judicial Center’s educational programs, including various colloquia and meetings relevant to their professional interests and specific projects. In recent years, fellows have taken trips to attend conferences and meet with various legal and judicial branch officials, including the president of the National Center for State Courts and the Massachusetts and West Virginia Supreme Courts. They also attend special luncheon seminars sponsored by the Administrative Assistant to the Chief Justice and a lecture series sponsored by the Supreme Court Historical Society, and they share some social and guest speaker activities with the White House Fellows. In recent years, fellows have participated in events with individual Justices, members of Congress, law professors, leading attorneys, and executive branch officials including the Attorney General, the Solicitor General, and the Director of the FBI. In addition, fellows are invited to participate in Supreme Court Fellows Alumni Association activities. These activities include the Association’s annual meeting and panel discussion on issues of interest to program alumni. Past panel members have included federal judges, academics, and members of the media.

2003-2004 Supreme Court Fellows Matthew Duchesne, Steve Gensler, Linda Bishai, and Scott Carlson

Duration

The Supreme Court Fellowship is a one-year appointment, beginning in August or September; the exact duration is subject to mutual agreement between each fellow and the program's executive director. Most fellows take a sabbatical or leave of absence without pay to participate in the program and return to their professional careers after the fellowship year ends.

Compensation

Supreme Court Fellows become employees of the federal court system and receive salaries equivalent to GS-15/3 of the government pay scale (currently $114,688). Fellows are eligible for federal employees' health and life insurance programs.

 

"The Supreme Court Fellows Program provides a year of challenge, hard work, and first-hand exposure to the federal court system. By the year's end, Fellows take with them useful knowledge and a unique experience, and leave behind a personal contribution toward the Judiciary's important work."

David Leitch