Our Fellowship Program

Paid Fellowship Program Overview

The Sarita and Claire Wright Lucas Foundation (SCWLF) seeks to support young women of color like Sarita Wright Lucas who are committed to serving the public and pursuing careers as prosecutors. Prosecutors shape how the criminal legal system works and wield the life-changing power to reduce incarceration, promote accountability, and decrease recidivism. Women and minorities are currently underrepresented as Prosecutors. The goal of the SCWLF is to diversify the justice system and encourage more women of color to take on this visible and important role. The mission of the SCWLF is to support and encourage young African American women as they pursue careers in justice with the goal of helping to ensure a fair and more equitable justice system.

In summer 2021, The Sarita and Claire Wright Lucas Foundation launched a Summer Fellowship Program to provide African American female law students with a paid summer internship opportunity in the Massachusetts Suffolk and Middlesex District Attorney’s offices. The program accepts applications from students at ABA-accredited Massachusetts law schools who are interested in exploring public interest careers as Prosecutors.

Applicants must have completed their 2L year by the summer in which they will participate in the program. Fellowships offer an opportunity for substantive work in the Suffolk and Middlesex courts, including supervision, skills development, and gaining work experience. Fellows attend professional development programming created by the Suffolk and Middlesex District Attorney’s offices and receive mentorship throughout their summer experience.

Each Fellow receives a $7,000 stipend for the 10-week summer program. This Program aims to ensure that young female African American law students from all backgrounds are able to gain meaningful experience in public interest law. 

Reach out to Lainey Roberto: lainey@saritaandclairefoundation.org