The gold standard for Capitol Hill Experience
For over 25 years, the LEGIS Fellows program has attracted professionals from government agencies, businesses, and the nonprofit sector.
Spend months working with legislators and their staff, participating in committee hearings, briefing members of Congress, drafting legislation, and serving as a constituent liaison, all with the unparalleled support of a former member of Congress and WashU at Brookings’s associate dean.
Connect with key decision makers and power brokers, learn about policy development, and join a national network of policy entrepreneurs. On the other side of the equation, you become an indispensable subject-matter expert for legislators. Your perspective on critical issues provides insights that congressional staffers may not be able to supply as generalists.
Benefits
- Unparalleled preparation and support
- Insider’s knowledge of the legislative process
- Strong community of policy entrepreneurs
- Exceptional networking opportunities with senior-level federal officials
- Lasting relationships with members of Congress and congressional staff
- Enhanced agency engagements with Congress
- Alumni network
Former Fellows qualify for 25% off all future executive education courses from WashU at Brookings and our partner WashU Olin Business School. Discounted seats are limited and subject to availability. Note: You can apply class credit from Inside Congress and Insider’s Legislative and Regulatory Process to the Certificate in Policy Strategy.
As a LEGIS fellow, you engage in the legislative process from the inside. Consequently, you gain an understanding of the strengths and limits of Congress and the impact of politics and procedure on policymaking.
Former Rep. Bob Carr (D-MI)
Past Assignments
Previous Fellows have served
| Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) | Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) | |
| Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) | Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID) | House Appropriations Committee |
| Sen. Richard Durbin (D-IL) | Sen. Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY) | Senate Budget Committee |
| Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) | Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY) | Senate Finance Committee |
| Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) | Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) | Senate Homeland Security Committee |
| Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) | Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) | |
| Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) |
The cross-pollination of knowledge is an extremely beneficial part of your fellowship. You dive deeply into specific areas of interest and receive an invaluable education. At the same time, you mentor young staff members, which is a tremendous help to short-staffed, underbudgeted congressional offices that don’t have the funds for senior-level employees.
Former Rep. Charles Boustany Jr. (R-LA)
2025 Fellowship Term
Schedule
Spend seven or 12 months on Capitol Hill depending on your personal interests, and your organization’s objectives and workload
Application Deadlines
Early Admission: September 6, 2024
Final Deadline: October 25, 2025
Orientation
Orientation is mandatory for all fellows
Live Virtual Kickoff: December 4, 2024
In-Person Orientation: January 2-13, 2025
Seven-month
January 2-July 25, 2025*
Tuition: $4,650
Full-year
January 2-December 12, 2025*
Tuition: $6,250
Listed end dates are based on the projected Congressional calendar and may vary slightly.
The LEGIS Fellowship program is competative
Eligibility Requirements
- Significant interest in legislative policy
- A minimum GS-13 grade level or seven years of management experience in the private sector
- Ability to work independently
- Personal statement describing how the fellowship fits in your career goals and the value it would create for your agency or organization
- Letter of recommendation and assessment from your supervisor addressing your potential and what you will bring to the fellowship
- A commitment from your employer that funding has been approved
- Government candidates must submit an approved training form with billing instructions and a purchase order number (such as a SF-182, DD1556, or HHS350)
- Private-sector candidates must provide full billing information
Application Process
Apply online using a permanent personal email address you can access throughout the fellowship. You will most likely be unable to access your primary employer’s email during your time as a Fellow.
The following documents must be uploaded:
- Detailed, up-to-date resume
- Letter of recommendation from your supervisor
- Personal Statement
- Funding authorization and information
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