Both lawyers and journalists understand the importance of effective storytelling. The D.C. Bar Law Student Community, through its new Writers in Residence Program, is offering aspiring attorneys a unique opportunity to hone their writing and interviewing skills, earn publication credit, and benefit from one-on-one interaction with attorneys across various practice areas.
Launched in collaboration with the D.C. Bar Communications Department, the Law Student Community’s Writers in Residence Program is seeking up to three law students enrolled full-time or part-time at any law school in the country to create content for the D.C. Bar’s multimedia channels, including its award-winning flagship publication, Washington Lawyer.
Successful candidates will work alongside D.C. Bar staff writers and pursue various projects, including pitching and writing a full-length feature for Washington Lawyer, interviewing Bar members for Member Spotlight profiles, covering events, and assisting staff writers in research, fact checking, editing, and more. The writers in residence will be able to merge their creativity with their legal education to create content that aligns with their interests and skills and get published.
The Law Student Community Writers in Residence Program is not an internship; selected students will not have a set number of weekly or monthly hours. Students will work independently, but are also expected to collaborate with Communications staff during the duration of the residency. At the end of the residency, students will receive a certificate of completion as well as acknowledgement on the Law Student Community’s web page.
Eligibility
- The Writers in Residence Program is open to law students enrolled in the 2021-2022 school year in any law school in the country. Depending on project needs, preference may be given to students located in the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia.
- 2L, 3L, and 4L students will be given preference, but 1Ls may also be considered.
- Applicants must be members of the D.C. Bar Law Student Community. Visit its website to learn more about how to join.
Requirements
- Selected candidates must be able to attend a virtual orientation on October 29, 2021 (time TBD).
- Selected candidates must attend hour-long brainstorming meetings every other month with the Communications editorial team from December 21 through June 2022. (Exact dates to be provided prior to acceptance.)
- See application form for additional requirements.
Selection
The D.C. Bar Communities and Communications staff will review applications and select participants. Successful applicants will be notified by email no later than October 22, 2021, and will have 48 hours accept their spot in the program.
How to Apply
Applications Open: September 1
Application Due: October 8
Decision: Selected students will hear back October 22
Orientation: October 29
Planning Meeting with Communications Team: December 22
For questions or more information, contact Brittany Sims Nwankwoala, Staff Attorney, Member & Policy, at 202-737-4700, ext. 2816 or [email protected].
2020-2021 Residents
- Tonée Jones, 3L,University of the District of Columbia
- Lisa Jiron, 3L, George Washington
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