THERE HAVE NOT BEEN ANY PREVIOUS LAWA FELLOWS FROM MY COUNTRY. MAY I STILL APPLY?

We currently accept applications from any country in Africa. In fact, if your country has never been represented, your application will be reviewed more favorably!

CAN I GET A SPECIALIZED DEGREE?

You are welcome to get a specialized degree, but the requirement is that your focus during your course work will be on women’s human rights. This may be pursued in a variety of disciplines.

I DO NOT CURRENTLY HAVE THE FUNDS TO COVER MY NON-TUITION EXPENSES. MAY I STILL APPLY?

Candidates who are admitted to the LAWA Program must be prepared to cover the costs of all additional expenses (such as their visas, travel, housing, utilities, food, clothing, health insurance, etc.), and must be able to demonstrate to the U.S. Embassy for visa purposes that they have the funds available to cover those expenses (approximately $31,200). Due to the intensity of the LAWA Program and academic studies, LAWA Fellows are limited in their ability to work during the semester, and cannot count on having a job to supplement their expenses. Applications from candidates who do not currently have the funds to cover all non-tuition expenses unfortunately cannot be considered at this time.

DO I NEED TO MAINTAIN HEALTH INSURANCE THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE LAWA FELLOWSHIP?

As a LAWA Fellow, you are required to  maintain health insurance coverage throughout the entire duration of your fellowship. The Fellowship covers the cost of health insurance, but there is still typically a charge associated with medical care.  Even with health insurance, you can expect to pay additional costs for doctors’ visits and medications.  Eye care and dental care are not covered by the required Georgetown health insurance.  Medical services in the United States are extremely expensive, and neither the LAWA Program nor Georgetown University will assume financial responsibility for medical or hospital bills.

I WOULD LIKE TO OBTAIN EMPLOYMENT IN THE UNITED STATES AFTER COMPLETING THE LAWA PROGRAM. IS THIS PERMISSIBLE?

Fellows may stay through the Summer after completing their LL.M. to work in an internship, and may extend this period depending on their visas.  Most summer internships are not paid.

A vital requirement of participation in the LAWA Program is that all of the LAWA Fellows commit to return home to their countries upon completion of the LAWA Program, and to use their best professional efforts to advance women’s rights in their home county throughout their careers. Because this commitment to return home to advance women’s human rights in your country is such an important part of the LAWA Fellowship Program, it highlighted on the LAWA application form and on the website. In addition, all applicants indicate that they are willing to sign such a commitment upon acceptance of a LAWA Fellowship, known as the LAWA Pledge. This outstanding record is crucial to the future success of the LAWA Program, and indeed to the very existence of the program itself, as supporters do not wish to invest in a program that draws talented individuals away from their countries in Africa.

WHO IS THE PERFECT CANDIDATE?

Our candidate pool changes from year to year. In some years, the best qualified candidates may already have an LL.M. or may have less experience than our ideal. What matters most is your demonstrated commitment to working to advance women’s human rights. There is also a strong preference given to people who are doing this work NGOs or the government. Your volunteer experience is important, but not as important as your full time job.

SHOULD I INCLUDE A WRITING SAMPLE?

Writing samples are not required except for the essays included in the application questions. Additional written materials will not be considered as part of the application.

I JUST GRADUATED/ I HAVE BEEN OUT OF LAW SCHOOL FOR MORE THAN 10 YEARS – AM I ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?

The Fellowship program sets no cap on the amount of time an applicant has been out of school. The Fellowship does not accept candidates directly from LL.B. studies, and gives high priority to those who have substantial experience working to advance women’s human rights.

IT IS VERY CHALLENGING/EXPENSIVE FOR ME TO GET MY LL.B. TRANSCRIPTS. IS THERE SOME ALTERNATIVE?

Unfortunately there is not. Georgetown Law requires a hard copy of your transcripts directly from the granting institution.  You will not be admitted to the University without this.

DO I HAVE TO APPLY SEPARATELY TO GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY LAW CENTER?

No. If you are admitted to the LAWA Program, you also automatically admitted to the LL.M. Program at Georgetown.

IF YOU HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JILL MORRISON, MORRISJC@GEORGETOWN.EDU.