Program Overview
FJP’s Summer Fellows Program places rising 2Ls and 3Ls in summer internship positions in the offices of some of the most inspiring elected prosecutors in the country.
Fellows join a diverse cohort of accomplished law students interested in transforming the criminal legal system while gaining hands-on experience in prosecutor’s offices across the country. In addition to working on criminal cases and other assignments typical of a summer internship, fellows undertake a policy project on an issue of interest to their host office.
Participating students receive a generous summer stipend and access to FJP’s national network, resources, programming, and leading thinkers and advocates.
FJP strongly values diversity, and students of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, especially those with direct experience with the criminal legal system.
What Fellows Gain
Hands-On Experience
Work directly on criminal cases and other assignments alongside attorneys in a prosecutor’s office.
Policy & Innovation
Complete a substantive policy project addressing an issue important to your host office and community.
A National Network
Join a cohort of law students and engage with prosecutors, experts, advocates, and other leaders nationwide.
What Summer Fellows Do
Depending on the needs of their host office, FJP Summer Fellows may:
Fellows regularly engage with one another throughout the summer to discuss critical issues facing the criminal legal system and learn from experiences across different jurisdictions.
Assist with case intake and trial preparation
Sit in on witness interviews
Assist with discovery and court filings
Conduct legal research and writing
Conference with supervisors on cases
Argue motions or handle evidentiary hearings where permitted
Complete a policy project for their host office
Participate in discussions with fellow students and elected leaders
Interested in a Split Summer?
FJP offers interested students the opportunity to pursue a split summer, spending part of the summer in an FJP prosecutor placement and the other part at a public defender’s office, advocacy organization, or similar placement.
This format can give students valuable experience working with different stakeholders across the criminal legal system. Not every prosecutor’s office is able to accommodate a split summer, and FJP does not typically place fellows in public defender offices or advocacy organizations. Students interested in this option should apply to those organizations separately and in parallel with the FJP process.
Students must commit a minimum of ten weeks in order to split their summer.
Where Fellows May Work
Experiences of Former Fellows
Hear directly from former FJP Summer Fellows about what they learned, the work they took on, and how their experiences shaped their paths in the law.
Fellow Reflection
Visualizing Justice: My Full-Circle Moment as an FJP Summer Fellow in Arlington County
Jordan Stevenson
From arguing bond motions to analyzing diversion programs and building public-facing tools, Jordan reflects on how her summer in Arlington allowed her to combine courtroom experience, policy work, and community engagement.
Fellow Reflection
From TV to Reality: Reform Prosecution in Action
Jovana Fitzgerald
Jovana reflects on her summer with the D.C. Office of the Attorney General, where she worked with the Juvenile Section and saw firsthand how diversion and restorative justice can shape approaches to young people, accountability, and public safety.
Bringing My Whole Self to a Prosecutor’s Office
Monica Naranjo
Monica reflects on her experience as an FJP Summer Fellow and how prosecutors’ offices benefit from lawyers with a diversity of backgrounds and experiences.
Reform-Minded Prosecutors: Ordinary People with Extraordinary Vision
Victoria Sheber
Victoria reflects on her summer working in prosecutor’s offices and the role students and summer fellows can play in advancing change.
The Unseen Accomplishments of a Reform-Minded Prosecutor’s Office
Anthony Hernandez
Anthony reflects on his experience in Washtenaw County and the importance of understanding the people and communities behind changes in prosecutorial practice.
Working with the “Most Unlikely DA in America” Gave Me Hope
Kevin Shang
Kevin reflects on his experience as an FJP Summer Fellow in Corpus Christi and the impact the summer had on his understanding of prosecution and his own career path.
In Their Own Words
“The FJP Summer Fellows Program was one of the highlights of my summer. I felt empowered to step outside of my comfort zone and connect with other like-minded prosecutors in my office who had previously worked with FJP. I especially enjoyed connecting with my mentor biweekly and having the opportunity to reflect on my experiences, challenges, and goals throughout the summer.”
Andrea
2026 Summer Fellow
“Before this summer, I was not sure that prosecution was where I saw myself. This experience completely changed that perspective. I am grateful to FJP for giving me the opportunity to see progressive prosecution up close and gain a deeper appreciation for this work. I am especially grateful for the people who took the time to mentor me, share their experiences, and make me feel that I belonged in this work. As a first-generation student, having that kind of support and encouragement has meant more to me than I can put into words.”
Anu
2026 Summer Fellow
“FJP is a truly transformative program. It challenges the status quo of prosecution and pushes its fellows to look at the ‘why’ of prosecution, not just the ‘how.’”
Nico
2026 Summer Fellow
“FJP’s fellowship gave me a deep appreciation of how prosecutors can shape a fairer justice system, and it challenged me to think critically about the kind of lawyer and prosecutor I want to become.”
Joy
2025 FJP Summer Fellow
“Being an FJP Fellow was one of the most valuable experiences I could have as a law student. The office placement provides incredible opportunities for learning, and the group calls with other fellows create a community of shared support and insight.”
Rylea
2025 FJP Summer Fellow
“FJP not only confirmed my passion for public interest, but showed me a sustainable path to prosecution. I learned so much, received so much support, and grew in my love and passion for the law and public interest.”
Syona
2025 FJP Summer Fellow
Ready to Learn More?
Explore eligibility information, program details, participating offices, and application information for the 2027 FJP Summer Fellows Program.