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Truman R. Young Prosecutorial Fellowship

Truman R. Young, Jr., was a former Air Force Academy graduate and decorated combat pilot selected to participate in a series of internships sponsored by the State Bar of Arizona. These internships were designed to encourage highly qualified and motivated law students to become career prosecutors. During his internships and subsequent career as a prosecutor, Young exemplified the qualities that the public expects of its advocates.

On March 13, 1982, Young was killed in a mid-air collision while serving his country, piloting a National Guard airplane. In memory of Young and in tribute to him, his friends, and colleagues in conjunction with the Arizona Prosecuting Attorneys' Advisory Council (APAAC) and the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, established the Truman R. Young, Jr. Prosecutorial Fellowship.

The fellowship is designed to annually offer one third-year law student the opportunity to participate in the type of internship program Young found so rewarding.

The program is sponsored by the Arizona Prosecuting Attorneys’ Advisory Council and administered by the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law.

Watch this video with more information about the Truman R. Young Prosecutorial Fellowship detailing more information about the various prosecutorial opportunities.

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Program details

The Truman Young Fellow:

Receives a tuition scholarship - award based on endowment payout.
Works in four prosecuting offices during the one-year fellowship period. The offices include the City of Phoenix Prosecutor’s Office, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office of Arizona.
Participates typically in the summer session of the Prosecution Clinic but will not enroll or receive credits.
Earns a total of 12 credits - six graded credits for fall and six pass/fail credits in spring.

Requirements for the Fellow

Must be a third year law student (rising 3L - beginning of 2L year at time of application) at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University during the Fellowship year.
Arizona Supreme Court Rule 39 Certification eligible
Required Courses (prior to summer 3L) - Professional Responsibility, Evidence, Civil Procedure, and Criminal Law.
Good standing with the law school (2.0+ GPA)
U.S. Citizen
Successfully complete the detailed background check for all four prosecuting agencies.

Time commitments

Summer semester: City of Phoenix Prosecutor’s Office - Summer semester: (last week of May to the first week of August); 300 total hours (approx. 30 to 40 hours per week)
Fall semester: Maricopa County Attorney’s Office - Fall semester: (last week of August to last week of November); 100 total hours (approx. 10 hours per week)
Spring semester: Arizona Attorney General’s Office - Spring semester: (Early January to end of February); 100 total hours (approximately 10-15 hours per week)
Spring semester: United States Attorney’s Office - Spring semester: (first week of March to last week of April); 100 total hours (approx. 10-15 hours per week)
Attend one APAAC Council Meeting in the year of your fellowship and give a five-minute speech in front of the APAAC Council on your experience as a Truman Young Fellow.
Attend the APAAC Annual Prosecutor Conference (travel and hotel accommodations will be arranged by APAAC)

Course information

The fellow participates in the summer or possibly fall session of the Criminal Practice Clinic, LAW 774. Please see the class schedule for the term for days and times.

Questions

Please contact Jennifer Barnes.

Application deadlines for 2024-25 Truman Fellow

Information meeting: Aug. 31, 2023, from 12:15 - 1:00 p.m. in BCLS 442.

Applications accepted: Aug. 28, 2023, through Sept. 21, 2023.

Interviews: Oct. 4, 2023, and at APAAC (3838 N. Central, Ste. 850, Phoenix, AZ 85012). Candidates selected for in-person consideration will be notified of interview times after applications close.

Notification to all applicants and chosen fellow: Oct. 6, 2023.

Apply now