DePaul’s Schiller DuCanto & Fleck Family Law Center welcomes our new class of 1L Family Law Fellows.Each year, the Schiller DuCanto & Fleck Family Law Center awards a limited number of fellowships to incoming 1L students who have an interest in practicing family law, whether in the public or private sector, and a record of outstanding academic achievement and leadership. Selected students receive a $6,200.00 fellowship to fund a full-time (10 weeks at 40 hours a week) family law summer internship in either the private or public sector after their 1L year. Our Family Law Fellows work closely with the Family Law Center, meeting monthly throughout the year, to increase their exposure to and knowledge of family law and to help them network and connect with local family law attorneys and opportunities. Fellows also attend lunches with practitioners to learn about hot topics in family law and network with family law attorneys. Last, Fellows participate in the Center’s pro bono and community service projects, including the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center Spring Break Service Project and the Practitioner & Student Legal Answers Pro Bono Clinic in Family Law, and volunteer with partner organizations, such as the Ascend Justice’s Emergency Order of Protection Clinic.
The Schiller DuCanto & Fleck Family Law Center chooses recipients based on the following criteria:
- Interest in/commitment to practicing family law
- Academic record
- Leadership skills
In order to apply for a fellowship, incoming 1L’s should submit a resume, an undergraduate transcript (unofficial is acceptable), and a two to three page statement describing how you meet the above criteria to the Executive Director of the Schiller DuCanto & Fleck Family Law Center,
Kathryn Liss, or Assistant Dean for Academic Operations,
Allison I. Ortlieb. Fellowship applications are reviewed on a rolling basis starting January 1st. When submitting application materials, please indicate “DePaul Family Law Fellowship Application” in the subject line.
“This opportunity quelled my fears about being a lawyer. Without having easy access to students who enjoy family law, as well as mentors and other attorneys available through the program, I would have felt lost after my first year at DePaul. Instead, I feel like the transition from the classroom to my position as a law clerk was seamless.” -Mitchell D., (2018-2019 Fellow)“After graduation, I hope to be a divorce attorney. This opportunity has given me the chance to experience what the life of a family law attorney looks like. With hands on experience under my belt I am confident in my choice to pursue this career path…I am beyond thankful for the opportunity I was given thanks to this fellowship program.” -Alexis C., (2018-2019 Fellow)"The Family Law Fellows program has opened countless doors to the legal profession and has provided unlimited opportunities. This scholarship has allowed me to take on opportunities that set me up for success, not just for this summer, but for the rest of my life." -Gabrielle K., (2018-2019 Fellow)"Through my internship, I recognize the real impact that Legal Aid Chicago has in increasing access to the justice system for Chicagoans living in poverty" - Olivia Kappers (2019-2020 Fellow)Past 1L Family Law Fellows
2020-2021 1L Family Law Fellows with Center Director, Katie Liss.
2019-2020 Family Law Fellows and Center Director with the Honorable Maritza Martinez, Cook County Circuit Court Judge in the Domestic Relations Division.