Barbara A. Ringer Copyright Honors Program

The United States Copyright Office,
Published
September 29, 2016
Location
Washington, D.C., United States
Category
Job Type

Description

The Barbara A. Ringer Copyright Honors Program ("Ringer Honors Program") offers 18 to 24-month paid fellowships for attorneys in the initial stages of their careers who demonstrate exceptional ability and interest in copyright law ("Ringer Fellows"). Ringer Fellows work closely with senior attorneys and others in the Office of the General Counsel (OGC), the Office of Policy and International Affairs (PIA), the Office of the Register (REG) and/or the Registration Program Office (RP) on a range of copyright-related law and policy matters. In addition to performing an important public service, Ringer Fellows acquire unparalleled insight into the U.S. copyright system to draw upon in their future careers.

Barbara A. Ringer, for whom the fellowship is named, served as the eighth Register of Copyrights, from 1973 to 1980. She was instrumental in the review and drafting process that led to Congress' adoption of the 1976 Copyright Act.

Applications for the Ringer Honors Program are accepted from August 1 through October 15 (or if October 15 falls on a weekend day, the first following business day) of the calendar year prior to the calendar year in which the applicant would begin his or her fellowship (typically in September).

To apply, a candidate should email the following materials, combined into a single document file (preferably in a PDF format) that is labeled with the applicant's name and intended start date (for example, "Jane Smith Fall 2014") to RingerHonorsProgram@loc.gov:

1. A statement of the candidate's interest in and qualifications for the Ringer Honors Program

2. Resume

3. Most recent law school transcript

4. Writing sample that is reflective of the candidate's own writing (i.e., that has not been substantially edited by others)

5. Contact information (name, title, organization, street address, email address and phone number) for three academic and/or professional references with an indication of whether they may be contacted by the Copyright Office without first obtaining clearance from you.

Applications must be complete and sent to the correct email address. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Those candidates who are found most qualified to move forward in the selection process typically will be contacted within three to four months of their application date to schedule an initial interview at the Copyright Office in Washington, D.C. at a mutually convenient time. Please note that the Office is unable to reimburse candidates' travel expenses in connection with interviews. If a candidate is selected for an interview and travel costs are a concern, the Office may be able to offer an alternative arrangement, such as an interview in the candidate's area if a Copyright Office attorney happens to be traveling there otherwise the interview will be conducted by telephone.

In selecting individuals for the Ringer Honors Program, the Office considers candidates' application materials, as well as their academic performance, work experience, writing skills, performance during the interview process, references, and interest and expertise in copyright law and policy.

Depending upon the applicant pool and scheduling of interviews, candidates who are chosen to serve as Ringer Fellows may be notified of their selection at any time following their interview through the end of March.

Click here for more information.

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