Purpose

The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office serves the most diverse jurisdiction in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. As prosecutors, we seek staffers who reflect the county’s composition in order to broaden the perspectives we draws upon in service to the community. Our mission is to serve the public and the interests of justice, understanding that we who work within the criminal justice system have a great impact on the lives of residents.

The Suffolk County District Attorney’s office sponsors Fellowship opportunities throughout the year to interested law students from diverse backgrounds who want to serve the people, families, and communities of Suffolk County. The Fellowship Program is designed to introduce students to the rewards and demands of ethical, modern, progressive prosecution, and serving diverse, urban communities.

The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office offers a rich environment to Fellows considering a career in prosecution and public service. Fellows will be exposed to many aspects of this rich environment, while learning how to build and maintain the highest standards of ethics, fairness, and integrity.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants are American citizens and lawful permanent residents who will contribute to the diversity of the office. Additionally, an applicant must fulfill the following criteria by the time their Fellowship begins:

1. Completion of, at least, the first year in an ABA-accredited law school;
2. Current enrollment in an ABA-accredited law school; and
3. Not a recipient of a similar diversity award from another source for the same time period.

The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office selection committee will consider, inter alia, students who have demonstrated academic achievement as an undergraduate and law student, as well as a proven commitment to inclusion.   In addition, the committee will consider a candidate’s personal achievements, community service, oral and written communication skills, leadership abilities, and a sincere interest and commitment to serving the public as a prosecutor.

Students who are immediate family members of a Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office employee are not eligible to receive any Fellowship awards.

Program Description

Up to four Fellowships may be awarded each year. Each fellow will be assigned to: (1) a Superior Court Unit, (2) Municipal or District Court Division, or (3) the Appellate Unit, for a 3- or 5-month period of time, depending on whether participation is full- or part-time (3 months for full time, 5 months for part time).

Each student will receive a stipend of $4,000 upon the successful completion of the Fellowship. Should a Fellow not finish the agreed-upon time requirements to complete the Fellowship, no part of the stipend will be paid.

Fellows who successfully complete the fellowship also will receive a first-round interview for employment in the office and an attorney mentor who will assist the Fellow throughout that process. In addition to working on cases in close conjunction with Assistant District Attorneys and Victim Witness Advocates, Fellows also will be able to learn and observe the work of partner agencies, such as the Suffolk County Sheriff, Boston Police Department, and Massachusetts State Police.

Application Procedure

Applicants must submit the following items 4 months before the beginning of their proposed Fellowship start date:

• Cover letter, which addresses the following points:
  • why you want to participate in the Fellowship Program
  • how you have demonstrated a commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion
  • a proposed start and end date
  • a proposed schedule, including whether you will serve in a full- or part-time capacity
  • if part-time, a proposed schedule
• Resume
• Writing Sample
• Law School Transcript
• Undergraduate Transcript
• One letter of recommendation from a faculty member or lawyer
• A list of up to three references

Completed application packets must be received at SCDAOFellowship@state.ma.us, in Microsoft Word or .pdf format, no later than 4 months before the start date of the proposed fellowship.  It is strongly recommended that applicants send their application packets earlier, in the range of 6 months before the start date of your proposed fellowship.  Applications will not be considered complete until all materials are received by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.

Approximate start dates are as follows:

• Full-Time in Quarters:
  • Winter: December 1st
  • Spring: March 1^st
  • Summer: June 1^st
  • Fall: September 1^st
• Part-Time in Semesters:
  • First-Semester: January 1^st
  • Second-Semester: September 1st

The District Attorney will be flexible concerning start dates, as long as full-time Fellows serve a minimum of 3 months and part-time Fellows serve a minimum of 5 months.

A limited number of candidates will be selected for an interview. Fellows will be selected based on the qualifications presented through the application materials, references, and interview. Candidates will be subject to a thorough background check, which includes a criminal offender record check and online research. Any applicant who fails to pass the background check will not be considered further.

Awards will be announced at least 2 months before your proposed start date.

Inquiries

For further information, send your inquiry to SCDAOFellowship@state.ma.us.