The Ackerman Fellowship Program

For Rising Second and Third Year Law Students

For the past 17 years, thanks to the generous support of the Ackerman Foundation, Charleston Pro Bono Legal Services has hosted this annual summer fellowship program.

Intense Clinical Practice Experience

Former fellowships included opportunities to work with the City’s Homeless Commission, assist on cases of unaccompanied minors seeking status, and help with pandemic-related legal issues.

The Ackerman Fellowship Program

Client Intake

Fellows assist with eligibility determination and fact gathering in addition to preparation of pleadings to assist our Staff Attorneys.

Courtroom Observation

There are weekly opportunities to observe various court proceedings and speak with judges and practicing attorneys.

Outreach

Fellows participate in several outreach initiatives in low-income communities through our various nonprofit partners.

2024 Fellowship Opportunties

Accepting applications starting December 2023.

During Summer 2024, Charleston Pro Bono will award several Ackerman Fellowships to participate in one of two, six-week sessions. The first session will run from May 13 through June 21. The second session will run July 1 through August 9. Fellows are compensated $750/week.

Rising 2L and 3L students who are passionate about public service and interested in pursuing public interest law, should submit a cover letter, resume, and references to ALietzow@charlestonprobono.org.

Application deadline: February 15, 2024

Interviews offered on a rolling basis.

"I served as an Ackerman Fellow during the Summer of 2008 and it was one of the best experiences I've ever had during my legal training. From meeting directly with clients to sitting in on discussions about law and policy, I truly cherished the impact Charleston Pro Bono Legal Services had on my understanding of practical application of the law and the opportunity it gave me to serve the community."

“My experience as an Ackerman Fellow taught me how to be a good lawyer. An attorney’s job is to serve, and there was no better place to exercise that passion for serving than at CPBLS. I worked with the brightest minds in our profession and was trusted to handle client matters autonomously. The hands-on experience I gained as an Ackerman laid the foundation for my career.”

“I was an Ackerman Fellow in the summer of 2018. When I applied for law school, I was sure I wanted to practice environmental law. Before joining the Ackerman Fellowship Program, all of my internships were in environmental law. I applied for the Ackerman Fellowship in the interest of trying something new. I'm so glad I did. I loved working with and helping people directly. I learned about estate planning, probate, family law, and landlord/tenant law. Plus, I got to spend the summer in Charleston, SC! The Ackerman Fellowship reshaped my entire career trajectory, and I now work (happily) for an estate planning firm in Salem, Oregon. Thank you, CPBLS!!!”

"Being an Ackerman helped me solidify what type of law I wanted to practice. After being able to sit second chair on an annulment case with one of the staff attorneys, it ignited the fire that I currently have for the practice of family law. Without the Ackerman Fellowship and Charleston Pro Bono Legal Services, I would not be the compassionate and detailed oriented practitioner that I am today. What’s unique about the Ackerman Fellowship is that the program lets you dive right into going to Court with the attorney, drafting pleadings, and the overall practice of law. This is unlike other programs/internships, where you are behind a desk only doing research and preparing in-office memorandums for the supervising attorney and rarely ever going to Court. I’m so grateful for the experience, and I would recommend it to anyone who has a servant heart and a strong desire to learn from an outstanding team of attorneys and staff at CPBLS!"

"As an Ackerman Fellow it allowed me to see the legal profession in real time, with real clients, and alongside real people who genuinely care. My favorite part about the Ackerman Fellowship is being allowed to assist in drafting legal documents to help a client get their desired outcome. Above all I enjoyed learning from other fellows and the director, Alissa Lietzow. Alissa’s passion for CPBLS is contagious! I truly appreciate and will never forget how she constantly reminded us to be ourselves with each client and handle each case with compassion and grace. Being an Ackerman Fellow has been one of the greatest gifts in my legal career."

"The Ackerman Fellowship Program provided a strong foundation for my legal career. As an Ackerman Fellow, I was given the opportunity to serve the Charleston community and gain a “real world” understanding of the day-to-day work of a public interest attorney. Participating in the Ackerman Fellowship Program also provides mentorship and guidance even after the program with CPBLS and other Ackerman Fellows. I would absolutely recommend applying to be an Ackerman Fellow!"

The Ackerman Fellowship is what solidified my interest in the legal field, most importantly working with nonprofit and pro bono organizations. This fellowship not only taught me skills about the law, but the program also gave me invaluable mentorship and insight that I will carry throughout my career. Another reason why I love the program is because the fellowship does not just end after six weeks. The relationships I still have with everyone at CPBLS makes me want to continue being an active part in service projects such as Arts on the Beaches. The Ackerman Fellowship changed my life, and I am eternally grateful for being selected to be a fellow in 2019.