The ISF Public Interest Legal Fellowship will fund one year of legal work at a public interest, non-profit organization for a recent law school graduate. This fellowship will be a foundational launching point for new attorneys who are passionate about pursuing social justice through the law.
Applicants must have secured a host organization and designed a project proposal with the host for this application. ISF will pay $70,000 to the host organization for the fellow's salary. If the host's salary for attorneys with the fellow's experience is higher than $70,000, the host must make up the difference so that the fellow is getting paid according to the host’s payment scale.
Eligibility
- An active member of the Muslim community,
- Graduated from law school within the last three years,
- A U.S. citizen, permanent resident of the United States, or a DACA recipient,
- Have taken or plan to take the bar exam by July 2025,
- Have not held a full-time, permanent public interest legal position (i.e., a job that required a J.D.) before applying for this fellowship, and
- Have secured a host organization and developed a project proposal with the host.
Requirements
- Letter of commitment from your host organization
- Resume
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Two 500-word Essay Questions
Benefits
- Salary of $70,000
- Professional leadership and law enrichment workshops throughout and after the program
- Networking opportunities
- Mentorship opportunities
Program Timeline
- February to March 24th - Accepting Applications
- March to April - Application Reviews
- April - Video Interviews
- May - Fellowship Awarded
- Fall 2025 - Fellowship starts
Application Deadline: March 24th
Click here to watch an info webinar on funding opportunities for American Muslim students. The ISF portion of the presentation and the Q&A covered eligibility, application requirements, and tips on how to make your application stand out.
What is ISF's mission and why do we provide merit-based scholarships?
Our mission is to increase American Muslim representation in media and politics in order to improve public opinion and public policy. We are achieving that goal by empowering students and professionals through academic scholarships, film grants, mentorships, internships and fellowships.
How many scholarships has ISF awarded in the past?
Since our founding in 2009, we have awarded $3.4 million to over 600 recipients, Scholarships range from $3,000-$10,000.
What is the scholarship program timeline?
ISF starts accepting applications in November for a period of 5 months. The deadline to submit a complete application is March 21st, 2025. The Selection Committee will review the applications from April-May. Finalists will move to the next round and receive remote interviews in June. The final decisions will be made in July and scholarships will be awarded shortly after.
Is the program open to international students?
At this time we are only able to accept U.S. citizens, DACA recipients, and permanent residents.
To learn more, check out our website: www.islamicscholarshipfund.org/scholarship/
Minimum requirements to apply for the ISF Scholarship:
• Active member of the Muslim community;
• Enrollment full-time at an accredited university in the U.S. by August 2025; OR employed full-time in an ISF Supported Field and a part-time student at an accredited university in the U.S.;
• Majoring in an ISF Supported Field;
• Maintaining a minimum 3.0 Grade Point Average;
• U.S. Citizen, U.S. green card holder, or DACA recipient;
• Undergraduate (incoming junior or senior) or graduate/PhD
The ideal candidate will demonstrate potential in impacting public opinion, alignment with the ISF mission and vision, excellent communication skills, and leadership.