UC Law SF Bridge Fellowship Program

​”It was a tremendous experience that gives a recent graduate practical, hands on experience. It’s a rare opportunity for a recent graduate and takes the stress out of finding a job while studying for the bar. I would recommend this fellowship to any recent UC Law SF graduate. Thank you to our alumni and our tremendous staff at the CDO for making this possible!” – Richard Tallungan, Class of 2020

“During my fellowship experience, I have determined the type of attorney I want to become. If it was not for the Bridge Fellowship, I would not have been able to cultivate my skills they way I wanted until years down the line. I appreciate every ounce of support that alumni and donors have provided me.” ​- Aadil Muhammad, Class of 2020

“My Bridge Fellowship was terrific! The Fellowship did exactly what it was supposed to do – got me into the door to a Legal Aid organization, allowed me to show my skills, and helped me secure permanent employment once I received bar results.” – Justin Bargar, Class of 2019

“The Bridge Fellowship really helped me to remain in the game, acquire skills in the career path I intended to be in and not be stagnant. I would not know what to do if I did not have the monthly funding from Bridge for 12 months, I was able to work, pay my rent and gas all because of this fellowship while still pursuing my dreams … The Bridge Fellowship was without a doubt a lifeline I needed…” – Mary Fuentes, Class of 2018

“The Bridge Fellowship was key to obtaining my current employment. The fellowship helped keep me financially afloat and created a structured opportunity for me to develop solid skills in areas I previously lacked and hone in on my strengths … I also gained insight into the work culture at my placement, while my employer gained insight into my work ethic and work product. Needless to say, working directly with the team gave me a leg-up over other interviewees for the staff attorney position. Thank you for your gracious support to Bridge Fellows.” – So Young Lee, Class of 2019

“My placement during post-bar would not have been possible without the Bridge Fellowship. I went to law school wanting to work for the District Attorney’s office. The Fellowship is the only reason I was able to stay in the city and take a post-bar position with the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office. I was able to focus on my work during the day and that hard work paid off as I was hired after my placement ended! Couldn’t have done it without the Career’s office, the amazing people who work there, and the Bridge Fellowship!” – Cecilia Curtis-Sanchez, Class of 2019

“The Bridge Fellowship was a huge blessing for me. I didn’t have a job lined up when I graduated and because I focused all of my energy on bar prep I was unable to continue my search. The bridge fellowship gave me an opportunity to return to my 2L summer internship and express my desire to work there long term. Two months into my bridge fellowship they hired me as a law clerk and I became a staff attorney when I passed the bar. I’m now doing exactly what I set out to do when I first entered law school. I’m really grateful for the fellowship.” – Lucy Garcia, Class of 2019

“The Bridge Fellowship was key to securing my current employment. My regular phone meetings/check-ins were also very helpful for coming up with strategies to navigate the employment and Bar Study. The funds provided allowed me to take an unpaid clerkship at the office … which was my number one choice for employment. By being present in that office and having them see my work quality and ethic during my Bridge placement, I was able to secure full-time employment immediately after the fellowship ended.” – Daniel Stefanic, Class of 2019

“Without the Bridge Fellowship, I am not sure how I would have started my career. It has provided me with enough funds to get through the first year and a half of working at the Public Defender’s Office, where paid positions are almost non-existent when you first start. I am incredibly grateful for this program, and I hope it continues and grows.” – Matthew Dalton, Class of 2019

“I am incredibly grateful for the financial assistance and mentorship from the CDO in this early part of my career. This was a great experience and thanks to this fellowship program I feel confident and competent starting my new job and career as an attorney. Thank you!” – Michelle Human, Class of 2019

“Not only do fellows gain invaluable experience, but our institution is strengthened when employers experience the value we bring. UC Law SF students and graduates are admired not only for our legal skills but our work ethic and commitment to justice. Fiat Justita!” – Jason Stenson, Class of 2018

“The Bridge Fellowship made it possible for me to transition to a new area of law that I did not have any experience in, which then lead to gainful employment. Without the Bridge Fellowship, I would have struggled far more to secure employment in an area I had zero experience in. It gave me a foot in the door, and I am so grateful for all the opportunities that have opened up to me as a result.” – Katherine Moinpour, Class of 2019

“This fellowship is paramount to graduating students interested in government and non-profits. These areas of law cannot afford to spend time paying and training new folks. This bridge fellowship makes it possible for new attorneys, like me, to be able to get the hands on experience needed for these organizations. It’s a huge boost in our resume when applying for full-time employment.” – Erin Gurewitz, Class of 2019

“Without my Bridge Fellowship, I would have been unable to work as a post-bar law clerk between taking the bar exam and receiving results because my clerkship was unpaid. My Bridge Fellowship led directly to my employment at the office where I was a post-bar, so the generous support of those who made the fellowship possible helped me land my dream job. Thank you!” – Katie Gross, Class of 2019

“I am grateful for the Bridge experience because it allowed me to work with many low income artists and inventors, and I got to see a life experience outside of my own. Supporting the mission of the organization with which I worked, I went to work each day believing that I was making in a difference in people’s lives. Being there for a year also allowed me to form relationships inside the organization. Thank you to the donors that made the fellowship a reality for me!” – Noura Elfarra, Class of 2018

“The Bridge Fellowship gives UC Law SF students an opportunity to show the federal judiciary that good clerks exist outside the ivy-league and tier-14 pedigree.” – Gian Gualco-Nelson, Class of 2020