Applications for the 2026 Fellowship are due by Wednesday, February 4
The New York State Excelsior Service Fellowship Program is a NYS funded two‐year fellowship offering talented individuals hands on training and experience in New York State government. More about the Fellowship Program and how to apply may be found here, and on the attached program brochure. NYU Law can nominate three (3) Fellows. Representatives of the State will interview all nominees in early March. Nominees who are selected by the State to continue in the process will be notified in early April, and will likely receive a placement. Placements will be announced in early May.
The Excelsior Service Fellowship offers 3Ls the opportunity to work in a wide variety of placements in the Governor’s Office and Executive Agencies. By example, we have had NYU Law Fellows assigned to positions in executive agencies where they can litigate and in agencies where they serve as attorney-advisors (and do not litigate). Students have undertaken roles doing environmental, energy, financial services, cybersecurity, transportation, affordable housing, and economic development work, and some have been assigned quasi-prosecutorial roles while others have worked on criminal justice policy. Placements vary year to year and, in recent years, our 3Ls have been placed at the MTA, Department of Financial Services, the Justice Center, the Division of Homes and Community Renewal, and the Department of Environmental Conservation. Unless expressly requested otherwise, 3Ls will be will be given a legal placement.
Details on “How to Apply” and what to include in your personal statement may be found here.
If you have general questions about the Fellowship Program, feel free to set up a meeting with Gail. If you wish to have your materials reviewed, please send an email to pilc.appointments@nyu.edu to set up an appointment with another PILC counselor who can review them.
THE DEADLINE TO SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION IS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2026.