Metro Volunteer Lawyers is pleased to announce the Rovira Scholar Fellowship.
The goal of the Fellowship is to enhance the overall understanding of the complex and unique legal challenges presented in pro bono public service through the early training and professional development of outstanding law school graduates. It is anticipated that one Fellowship will be awarded each year.
During the 6-month fellowship period, the Fellow will work at the MVL offices under the supervision of the Executive Director and her immediate staff, and will carry out a broad variety of tasks such as providing legal advice and representation to MVL clients who might not otherwise be assisted through the other MVL programs and assisting with MVL’s mentoring collaborations. The Rovira Scholar will assist MVL with other special projects as needed while working with key members of the Colorado, Denver, and other metro Area Bar Associations. The foremost advantage to fellows in this position is that Fellows will be able to use their legal skills to effect positive change for disadvantaged populations and/or society in general.
The fellowship period will carry a stipend of $800.00 per month, generously provided by Lois Ann Rovira and additional private donors who opt to sustain the fund.
The application period for the position commencing in the Spring of 2012 has closed. Please submit applications for future periods per the instructions below.
Applicants must be attorneys licensed to practice law in the State of Colorado. Please provide cover letter, resume, and three references. Please include a statement in your letter to describe your interest in and commitment to public service, pro bono legal services, and access to justice. Applications can be sent to Dianne A. Van Voorhees, Executive Director, Metro Volunteer Lawyers at diannev@denbar.org.
More about the Rovira Scholar Fellowship:
A generous gift from Lois Ann Rovira, wife of former Colorado Supreme Court Chief Justice Luis Rovira, has allowed MVL to create an attorney fellowship with the organization. This position, designed for a recent law graduate, will permit MVL to increase critical legal services to those in need.
The Rovira Fellow will be recognized for the unique and important service that the position is meant to provide.
In the short-term, MVL will develop specific criteria for the Rovira Scholar Fellowship. Applicants who meet the criteria will be interviewed and one person will be chosen to serve as the first Rovira Fellow. The Rovira Fellow will provide legal advice and representation to MVL clients who might not otherwise be assisted through the other MVL programs. The Rovira Fellow will also assist MVL with other special projects as needed.
Progress will be monitored on a regular basis. Clients will be surveyed to ensure quality.
Long-term success will be shown by the number of Rovira Fellows that are able to be attracted and placed to work in the MVL offices over the years. Each Fellow will receive a modest stipend for their block of time at MVL. Each Fellow will provide legal advice and representation to MVL clients who might not otherwise be assisted through the other MVL programs.
