Eligibility
Suffolk University Law School students who will graduate in January 2013 or May 2013 are eligible to apply.  Students are not required to have a position secured before applying for the award.  Awards will be contingent on the recipient passing the bar exam and obtaining employment with a qualifying public service employer within one year of graduation.  The Fenton Awards are the highest paid public service awards given by Suffolk Law. 

Eligible Placements
The Fenton Awards program seeks to assist students in obtaining highly responsible positions at government agencies and nonprofit organizations.  Employment responsibilities should involve substantive legal work.  Work of a primarily clerical nature does not qualify.  Examples of eligible employment include, but are not limited to, state and federal government agencies, prosecutor and public defender offices, legislative offices, public interest litigation, advocacy or policy groups, and nonprofit legal services organizations.  There are no geographic restrictions.  The following types of employment are NOT ELIGIBLE: 1) employment with private law firms even if the firm does pro bono work; 2) employment as a judicial law clerk; and 3) employment with political campaigns.

Award Selection Criteria
Fenton Award recipients will be selected on the basis of merit without regard to political affiliation.  Financial need, as determined by the Office of Financial Aid, may be a consideration.  The awards seek to aid students who embody John E. Fenton, Jr.’s passion for public service.  The selection criteria include:

1. Demonstrated, exceptional commitment to public service law as a career, as evidenced by paid and volunteer work experience, activities, and academic work;
2. Academic achievement and/or significant achievement in a clinical, trial training (including mock trial competition) or law practice setting; and
3. Consideration may be given to whether the work of the agency or organization provides access to justice or services to traditionally underserved clients.

Application deadline: EXTENDED UNTIL MARCH 15, 2013, by 5pm. Students may drop off their applications in the Rappaport Center (Suite 110) or email their applications to Mia Friedman at mfriedman@suffolk.edu. Download the application.