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  FELLOWSHIP



  2008 Public Interest Fellowship

Foundation History and Mission

The Frederick B. Abramson Memorial Foundation, a not-for-profit charitable corporation, was established in 1991 as a continuing tribute to the memory of Fred Abramson, a distinguished member of the Washington legal community. Fred Abramson was a President of the District of Columbia Bar, Bar Counsel to the Board on Professional Responsibility of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals and, perhaps most important, mentor and role model to scores of individuals.

The primary purpose of the Frederick B. Abramson Memorial Foundation is to honor and further Fred Abramson's beliefs in:

  • the importance of community service and mentoring, especially for minorities and women;
  • the ongoing value of educational attainment; and
  • legal representation for disadvantaged individuals and the public interest.
The Foundation distributes the proceeds of its fundraising through annual awards in two ways:

The Frederick B. Abramson Public Interest Fellowship Award is a fellowship for up to $10,000 awarded to one or more graduating law students, judicial law clerks, or practicing attorneys wishing to work in public interest law. The recipients must exemplify Fred Abramson's commitment to the use of law to advance the community and public interest by committing to at least one year's employment with a not-for-profit organization in the District of Columbia.

The Frederick B. Abramson Memorial Scholarship Award is a scholarship for up to $10,000 presented to graduating District of Columbia public high school seniors to help defray college expenses at a four-year accredited institution. The recipients must have solid academic records and exemplify a commitment to community service, social change and triumph over economic disadvantage.

High school students, law students, and young lawyers are made aware of the Abramson awards through notices to college and law school career counselors, the local judicial community, high school guidance counselors, and a small amount of advertising in law journals and other publications, as well as the Foundation's website.

The Frederick B. Abramson Memorial Foundation has a volunteer board of directors comprised of thirty-nine individuals representing the legal, medical, business, public interest and educational communities of Washington, DC. The board, whose members are elected to three-year terms, meets three times each year, and all members engage in active committee work for the Foundation throughout the year.

  2008 Public Interest Fellowship Announcement
Eligibility:
 
  "I am honored and extremely grateful for having received the public interest fellowship from the Abramson Foundation. The fellowship has not only provided a stepping stone to begin my legal career, but it has helped me to gain a deeper understanding of the grave importance of public interest work."

Nekima V. Levy-Pounds
Fellowship Recipient 2001
Mentor 2002
The Frederick B. Abramson Memorial Foundation is accepting applications for the Frederick B. Abramson Public Interest Fellowship Award. This fellowship is awarded to one or more students graduating from any ABA-approved law school in the United States, individuals completing judicial clerkships, or practicing attorneys wishing to work in the non-profit sector. Candidates must agree to work for a 501(c)(3) non-profit and government organizations in the District of Columbia for at least 12 months beginning September 2008 and must demonstrate commitment to public interest law and community service. Financial need is a critical factor in awarding fellowships-the Board of Directors pays special attention to the applicants' salaries, education debt, and other financial responsibilities. Although applicants working at national organizations will be considered, preference will be given to applicants whose work most directly benefits District of Columbia residents. The Fellowship can be used for repayment of student loans, as a salary supplement, to offset bar exam expenses, or for any other purpose. Minority applicants are particularly encouraged to apply.

Award Amount:
 
Up to $10,000
Review Process:
 
The Foundation Board of Directors will review applications and make determination of award(s) in September 2008. Applicants will be notified of status in writing by the end of September. Fellowships will be presented at a reception in October or November of 2008.
Application Packet:
 
  • Application Form also available from the Foundation office
  • Resume
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Confirmation of public interest job
  • Statement of Financial Responsibilities
  • Statement of interest and career plans
Deadline: On or Before August 18, 2008

Mail, Fax or Email to:
 
Fellowship Committee
The Frederick B. Abramson Memorial Foundation
c/o The Bauman Foundation
2040 S Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009

(202) 683-4816
(202) 328-2003 fax
info@abramsonfoundation.org
Questions or Comments? info@abramsonfoundation.org
© 2009 Frederick B. Abramson Memorial Foundation

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