Paralegal Pathways Initiative Offers Training Program Opportunity for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals

Paralegal Pathways Initiative (PPI) at Columbia Law School is a semester-long training program aimed at supporting formerly incarcerated individuals to transition into careers within the legal field. Through skills-based legal training and professional mentorship, PPI empowers participants to develop valuable career and interview skills. 

PPI is now accepting applications for their upcoming Spring 2026 class, and wants to extend this opportunity to as many potential applicants as possible. Please reach out to (ppi@law.columbia.edu) if you know of anyone who may be interested or are interested yourself!

Eligibility Criteria

  • 18 years old or older
  • Have at least a GED or a high school diploma
  • Can commute to New York City
  • At least one year post-release
  • Interest in the legal field

Application Deadline

Sunday, November 16, 2025, at 11:59 PM

Applications Now Open for Federal Public Defender, District of Connecticut

Federal Public Defender Vacancy – The United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit invites applications from qualified candidates for the position of Federal Public Defender for the District of Connecticut. The term of office is four years, with potential for appointment to successive terms. For announcement, please click here. For application, please click here. The current authorized annual salary is $195,200.

The Federal Public Defender, functioning under the authority of 18 U.S.C. § 3006A(g)(2)(A) and the Criminal Justice Act Plan for the District of Connecticut, provides criminal defense services to individuals unable to afford counsel. The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the District of Connecticut has offices in Hartford and New Haven. The Federal Public
Defender supervises a staff of assistant federal defenders, research and writing attorneys, investigators, paralegals, mitigation specialists, and support personnel.

The website for the office is: Office of the Public Defender District of Connecticut. Applicants must satisfy the following conditions:
(1) be a member in good standing in the bar of the state in which the candidate is admitted to practice;

(2) have a minimum of five years criminal practice experience, preferably with significant federal criminal trial experience, which demonstrates an ability to provide zealous representation of consistently high quality to criminal defendants;

(3) possess the ability to effectively administer the office, including the following management areas:

  • Budget, procurement, and travel
  • Human resources
  • Space, facilities, and property;

(4) have a reputation for integrity; and

(5) demonstrate a commitment to the representation of those unable to afford counsel.

As the chief executive of the Office of the Federal Public Defender, the Federal Public Defender holds ultimate responsibility for the administration of the Office. The Office serves as a resource center for all practicing federal defense attorneys in the District, providing regularly scheduled training programs as well as advice and counsel when needed. The Federal Public Defender works nationally with other federal defenders on evolving issues in federal criminal law and other areas of shared concern.

The Second Circuit uses an open and competitive selection process. A Merit Selection Committee will review all applications and interview the most qualified candidates. With consideration of the District Court’s recommendation, the Committee will refer the best qualified candidate to the Court of Appeals for selection and appointment. Applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, or disability. The selected nominee will be required to complete a background investigation prior to appointment. The Federal Public Defender may not engage in the private practice of law.

Application forms are posted on the Court’s website at http://www.ca2.uscourts.gov. Completed application packages must be in the format required by the Second Circuit and received no later than December 1, 2025.

 NAPABA Committees & Networks | 2025 Co-Chair Applications are Open

Lead and Inspire:
Become a NAPABA Committee or Network Co-Chair

Deadline: September 12, 2025

NAPABA’s committees and networks are vibrant, peer-led communities that connect members through shared practice areas, professional interests, and lived experiences. Committees focus on substantive legal topics and advocacy priorities such as labor & employment law, civil rights, and emerging technologies. Networks bring together members with common career paths or life experiences—such as in-house counsel, military service, or solo practice. These groups foster knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and leadership development.

Serving as a co-chair is a meaningful opportunity to:

  • Lead within a respected national bar association
  • Develop and showcase your leadership and subject-matter expertise
  • Build lasting relationships with colleagues across the country
  • Shape impactful programs, events, and initiatives that align with NAPABA’s strategic goals

If you are ready to take on a leadership role within NAPABA, we invite you to apply for open 2025 Committee and Network Co-Chair Positions.

Eligibility Criteria

Ideal co-chair candidates will:

  • Bring relevant personal or professional experience to the committee or network’s focus
  • Show a clear commitment to NAPABA’s mission, especially in leadership development
  • Be a NAPABA or NAPABA affiliate member in good standing
  • Commit to serving a six-year term

Application Requirements

Please submit the following materials as a single PDF:

  • Resume or CV highlighting relevant experience
  • Statement of Interest demonstrating the following:
    • Your leadership experience in NAPABA, local NAPABA affiliates, or related organizations
    • Your commitment to integrity and professional excellence
    • Additional relevant experience not included in your resume
  • Professional Bio (a law firm or company profile is acceptable)

2025 Committees and Networks with Co-Chair Vacancies

  • Bankruptcy & Restructuring Committee
  • Cannabis/CBD/Hemp Law & Policy Committee
  • Civil Rights Committee
  • Dispute Resolution Committee
  • Energy, Environment & Sustainability Committee
  • Financial Services Network
  • Government Enforcement & Compliance Committee
  • Health Law Committee
  • Immigration Committee
  • In House Counsel Network
  • Intellectual Property Committee
  • International Law Committee
  • Labor & Employment Committee
  • Law School Professors and Administrators Network
  • LGBTQ Network
  • Litigation Committee
  • Mass Torts & Class Actions Committee
  • Military & Veterans Network
  • Partners Network
  • Pro Bono & Community Service Committee
  • Public Sector Network
  • Solo & Small Firm Network
  • Women’s Leadership Network
  • Young Lawyers Network

Questions?

Reach out to us at membership@napaba.org.

SAIL Scholarship Program: Applications Now Being Accepted

Deadline: June 30, 2025, by 5:00 p.m. ET

The NAPABA Law Foundation is accepting applications for the prestigious SAIL Scholarship Program—a unique opportunity designed to support and empower the next generation of leaders in the legal profession.

This scholarship provides more than just financial aid—recipients receive:

  • $7,500 in financial support (split evenly between their 2L and 3L years)
  • Private mentorship from legal professionals
  • Exclusive networking opportunities with executive-level leaders

Who Should Apply? Current 1L students (rising 2Ls in Fall 2025) who demonstrate:

  • Academic excellence (undergraduate and 1L performance)
  • Leadership experience and a “pay it forward” mindset
  • Volunteerism or service in the public interest
  • Knowledge of or commitment to impacting AAPI communities

This is a rare opportunity to receive ongoing support throughout law school—both financially and professionally—while building a foundation for a legal career rooted in service and leadership.

Do you know an outstanding first year law student? Please encourage your standout 1L students to apply.

Students: Review the SAIL Scholarship FAQ to understand eligibility and expectations before submitting your application.

Let the SAIL Scholarship help launch your journey to making a meaningful impact.

Please share this great opportunity with your networks.

Meet the 2024 SAIL Scholarship Recipient | Jennifer Shim

Jennifer Shim, a second-year law student at the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law, was selected as the 2024 SAIL Scholar. A first-generation Korean American from New York City, Jennifer was recognized for her exceptional leadership, academic achievement, and commitment to public service.

Through the SAIL Scholarship, Jennifer is receiving mentorship, leadership development, and $7,500 to support her legal education.

“Jennifer shows great promise as a leader who gives generously of her time and effort to the broader community. We could not be more delighted to help her as she completes her academic work and becomes part of the next generation of leaders in our profession,” said Ivan Fong, who, with his wife Sharon, endowed the NLF SAIL Scholarship Program.

Columbia Law School’s Paralegal Pathways Initiative: Applications Now Open for Spring 2025

The Paralegal Pathways Initiative (PPI) at Columbia Law School is a 12-week training program designed to support formerly incarcerated individuals as they transition into meaningful careers within the legal field. Through skills-based legal training and professional mentorship, PPI empowers participants to develop valuable career and interview skills. Applications are now open for the upcoming Spring 2025 class, and PPI wants to extend this opportunity to as many potential applicants as possible.

Application Requirements: Interested individuals should submit an application online through this link. The application package includes:

  • Resume 
  • Personal statement (500 words)
  • Response to a writing prompt (350-450 words) 
  • Two references 
  • [Optional] Additional materials/information

PPI encourages applications from individuals from marginalized communities, including those based on race, sexual orientation, religion, age, gender, or disability.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • 18 years old or older
  • Ability to commute to New York City
  • Have been formerly incarcerated and at least one year post-release
  • Demonstrate a genuine interest in the legal field
  • Commit to attending an in-person two-hour class one night a week for 12 weeks, and additional programming and workshops
  • Commit to contributing to a collaborative learning environment
  • Complete an interview

Application Deadline: Friday, November 15, 2024 

Contact Information: For more information, contact the PPI team at ppi@law.columbia.edu or follow @paralegalpathways_cls on Instagram. Please share this information with anyone who may be interested in applying.

2024 ADR Institute Applications Are Now Open: Apply by Aug. 14

November 6-7, 2024 | Seattle, WA
Application is Now Open
Apply by August 14, 2024 at 8 pm ET

The NAPABA ADR Institute is a multi-day career and skills development program created to provide a broad overview as well as substantive, hands-on training to members who are interested in pursuing a career in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). This program aims to diversify the pool of mediators and arbitrators in the United States and to increase the use of mediation and arbitration by those who attend the training. The NAPABA Dispute Resolution Committee will provide substantive leadership in the program development and execution as they seek to provide guidance and opportunities to those who may be members of the next generation of leading mediators and arbitrators in the country and to ensure that these mediators and arbitrators also include members of the AANHPI legal community. The training is designed for:

  • those interested in incorporating work as a mediator or arbitrator while still advocating;
  • those who are interested in pursuing a judicial career and will benefit from serving as a neutral to gain valuable experience before applying for or running for a judicial position; and
  • those who wish to pursue a career as a full-time mediator and/or arbitrator, either ad hoc or by joining an ADR provider.

Instructors are ADR thought leaders and the program is supported and guided by leading ADR organizations like JAMS, the American Arbitration Association, and CPR (International Institute for Conflict Prevention & Resolution). This program will provide MCLE-accredited training that will provide foundational training and a deeper understanding for the attendees who may pursue different avenues in ADR, including starting a mediation or arbitration practice at their firm, joining an ADR provider so to gain more experience as an arbitrator in their eventual bid to become a judge, or transition their practice to a full time neutral. Over the course of two days, participants will be exposed to topic areas such as:

  • Basic introduction to Mediation from a Mediator’s point of view
  • Basic introduction to Arbitration and its Phases
  • Selecting an Arbitrator: The Process
  • Conducting the Preliminary Hearing
  • Discovery & Motion Practice in ADR
  • The Arbitration Hearing
  • Scope and Authority of an Arbitrator
  • Writing an Award
  • Vacatur & Appeals
  • Ad hoc arbitration vs. Administrated Arbitration: Criteria for starting an ADR practice as a solo practitioner vs. joining an ADR provider
  • Training / Fellowship Opportunities 

Questions? Contact the NAPABA Programs Team.

Criminal Justice Act (CJA) Panel Applications Now Open for US Court of Appeals, 2d Cir.

The Criminal Justice Act Committee of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit is accepting applications for service on the Court’s Criminal Justice Act Panel. CJA Panel Members represent indigent criminal defendants and petitioners for habeas corpus.


Admission to practice before this Court is a necessary qualification for membership on the Panel. The Court seeks attorneys of superior experience and proven competence in federal appellate criminal defense work. The qualifications of attorneys applying for service on the Panel will be examined by the CJA Committee’s Attorney Advisory Group, which will make recommendations for membership on the Panel. Membership on the Panel will be for a term of one to three years, at the discretion of the Court. Attorneys currently serving on the panel need not reapply until the expiration of their present term.


Application forms for membership on the Criminal Justice Act Panel are available at the Court’s website, or by calling 212-857-8702.


A signed original application, one copy of each of your appellate briefs, and three paper copies of the completed application and your resumé, along with a CD containing both your completed applications and resumé, must be received by the Clerk of Court by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 3, 2023.


Please check the Court’s website periodically for CJA developments.

Proskauer Now Accepting Applications for its Silver Scholar Program

Proskauer LLP is now accepting applications for its Silver Scholar Program. The scholarship program grants recipients a summer associate position at Proskauer and a $30,000 cash award. The award is named after Edward Silver, the first elected Chairman of Proskauer, and a trailblazing labor lawyer. Silver’s storied commitment to diversity and equal opportunity is memorialized through this program. 

Proskauer is now accepting applications for this program from 1Ls. Applicants will need to submit the following materials: a resume, undergraduate and law school transcripts, a legal writing sample, a personal statement and three references. For more details, including a link to the online application, please click here.

The application deadline is January 16, 2023. Any additional questions can be directed to silverscholar@proskauer.com.

Commission on Judicial Nomination is Seeking Applications for Chief Judge of the New York Court of Appeals and State of New York

July 29, 2022

Contact: Henry M. Greenberg, Counsel

Phone: (518) 689-1492

e-mail: greenbergh@gtlaw.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Yesterday, the Commission on Judicial Nomination was formally notified by the Clerk of the Court of Appeals of the State of New York of the coming vacancy on the Court created by the resignation of Chief Judge Janet DiFiore, effective August 31, 2022.  Accordingly, the Commission is taking up the task of seeking recommendations and applications of persons who may be qualified to serve as Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals, as well as Chief Judge of the State of New York. 

Candidates for Chief Judge DiFiore’s vacancy may download an application from the Commission’s website (www.nysegov.com/cjn) or contact the Commission’s Counsel, Henry M. Greenberg, c/o Greenberg Traurig, LLP, 54 State Street, 6th Floor, Albany, New York 12208 [Tel.: (518) 689-1492; e-mail: greenbergh@gtlaw.com; Fax: (518) 689-1499].  Applications may be filed electronically by e-mailing them to CJN_Applications@gtlaw.com or submitted by mail to the Commission’s Counsel.  Applications must be submitted to the Commission no later than August 29, 2022.

The Commission was created by Article 6, § 2 of the New York State Constitution.  Consistent with its mandate, the Commission is entrusted with responsibility for evaluating, and then recommending to the Governor, candidates to fill vacancies on the Court of Appeals.  The Commission vigorously seeks out, carefully evaluates and then shall nominate to the Governor seven well-qualified candidates for the office of Chief Judge from the extraordinary, diverse community of lawyers admitted to practice in New York State for at least ten years.  The Governor’s appointment is subject to confirmation by the New York State Senate.

To fill past judicial vacancies on the Court, the Commission has nominated to the Governor a wide variety of lawyers, including private practitioners, public interest attorneys, law professors, government officials and sitting Federal and State judges. While prospective candidates must file an application with the Commission, recommendations may be made by anyone who believes that a prospective candidate could be an excellent Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals and the State of New York.  Recommendations of qualified candidates for a vacancy are encouraged and may be made to the Commission’s Counsel.  

If any person or organization wishes to receive copies of future Commission press releases, please provide an e-mail or mailing address to the Commission’s Counsel.  The Commission will register the address and make every effort to distribute future press releases in the designated manner.  Persons interested in learning more about the Commission are encouraged to visit its website: www.nysegov.com/cjn.

Apply for the Court’s Criminal Justice Act Panel by April 11, 2022

The Criminal Justice Act Committee of the United States Court of Appeals for the  Second Circuit is accepting applications for service on the Court’s Criminal Justice Act  Panel. CJA Panel Members represent indigent criminal defendants and petitioners for habeas corpus

Admission to practice before this Court is a necessary qualification for membership on the Panel. The Court seeks attorneys of superior experience and proven competence in federal appellate criminal defense work. The qualifications of attorneys applying for service on the Panel will be examined by the CJA Committee’s Attorney Advisory Group,  which will make recommendations for membership on the Panel. Membership on the  Panel will be for a term of one to three years, at the discretion of the Court. Attorneys currently serving on the panel need not reapply until the expiration of their present term. 

Application forms for membership on the Criminal Justice Act Panel are available at the Court’s website at www.ca2.uscourts.gov, or by calling 212-857-8702. 

A signed original application, one copy of each of your appellate briefs, and three paper copies of the completed application and your resumé, along with a CD containing both your completed applications and resumé, must be received by the Clerk of Court by  5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 11, 2022. Please check the Court’s website (www.ca2.uscourts.gov) periodically for CJA .

For further information or questions, please contact Jasmine_Beard@ca2.uscourts.gov.