Konduros Public Service Fellowships
Background
A longtime adviser to government officials and Fortune 500 businesses has made a $1.1 million gift to the University of South Carolina’s School of Law to provide students with scholarships, fellowships and leadership development.
Jim Konduros, a 1954 law alumnus, credits the law school for helping him develop the strategic thinking and counseling skills that guided him through a rewarding career that included working with U.S. SenatorOlin Johnston and Governor. Robert E. McNair, advising major companies and serving as counsel to a hospital system CEO and leading several nonprofit organizations.
Made possible through the Konduros Fishermen Fund, the School of Law scholarships provide financial support to incoming law students who have worked as government employees or served in the U.S. armed services. Similarly, the summer fellowships provide support to students working in public service through governmental or non-profit agencies.
Beginning in fall 2015,two incoming law students were named Konduros Scholars, with a single award made each year thereafter. Each scholarship will support three years of study.
The Konduros Public Service Fellowship Program is available to University of South Carolina law students who qualify for work-study funds and who want to gain legal experience working in public sector. Four to eight fellowships will be awarded annually.
Konduros, a native of Anderson, S.C., retires this year from what he calls his “passion career,” where he has spent the past 25 years overseeing millions in grants to the less fortunate as the chairman and CEO of several nonprofit organizations.
His journey in public service began in the early 1960s as aide to Senator Olin Johnston and advocate in the “War on Poverty”, which he continued as a key member of Governor Robert McNair’s staff. He brought together the S.C. Highway Commission and Appalachia Commission to construct the 72-mile Cherokee Trail (S.C. Hwy. 11) through the state’s foothills. He also helped create the Appalachian Community Service Network, an educational cable channel that later became The Learning Channel.
After Gov. McNair’s term ended in 1971, Konduros joined him in a new law firm founded by McNair, developing and supervising a governmental affairs practice. During his 20-year tenure with the McNair Law Firm he advised Westinghouse in its successful bid to assume operations at the Savannah River Site and helped Palmetto Health CEO Charles Beaman navigate the merger of Baptist Medical Center and Richland Memorial Hospital.
Submit this application and a copy of your CURRENT RESUME by March 1stto: Pamela D. Robinson, Room 386 USC Law.
Konduros Public Service Fellowships
Law Student Application
Name______
Anticipated Graduation Date ______
Phone number(______) ______
Email address ______
References
Please provide the requested information about two people who have first hand knowledge about your work ethic and commitment to public service. In the event we need additional information to make an informed match we MAY contact them.
Name______
______(______) ______
RelationshipPhone number
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Email address
Name______
______(______) ______
RelationshipPhone number
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Email address
One of the goals of the Konduros Public Service Fellowship is to place qualified 1st and 2nd year law students each summer with public interest organizations, government entities or non-profits. The ideal Fellow is one who has the desire to make public service a career. The summer placements provide an opportunity to gain valuable experiences, start to build a long-lasting network and to hone many of the skills needed for such a career.
At the beginning of any placement, the students will be asked to work with their supervising attorneys to develop a set of personal and professional goals. Self-directed learning is a central skill for attorneys and one that should be practiced. Setting goals and objectives is also an excellent way to improve and measure progress toward acquiring skills and experiences.
A committee will review all applications and those selected to beKonduros Public Interest Fellows will be matched with a public interest organization or government entity. Fellows will be consulted on their final placement.
Applicant Questions (please answer each question in 750 words or less per question?
1. Why do you want a career in public interest law, government service, or with a non-profit and what do you expect to accomplish during this placementthat will enable you to prepare for such a career?
2. What in your history, experiences, and skills makes you a good candidate for a Konduros Public Service Fellowship, and sets you apart from the qualifications that other applicants might have? (As a part of your answer, please describe how you have demonstrated your interest in public service.)
3. Please identify and describe three specific goals and learning objectives that you would like to address during your time with your host organization. Example: I would like to interview a client and follow her or his case to conclusion.
I certify that I have met the criteria, completed the questions and application and understand that by submitting my application I am not guaranteed a position.
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Signature
Criteria and Rules
- USC School of Law student, (Either a 1L or 2L)
- In good academic standing
- This Fellowship cannot be used in conjunction with an externship or internship for credit
- Eligible to receive Federal Work Study funds (information located in separate document)
- The Fellowship cannot be used for lobbying or political activities
- Available to work for 12 weeks, 29 hours per week in the upcoming summer
- I prefer placement with a non-profit, government agency, or either
(Circle or highlight all that apply)
- I am available for placement in: Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Rock Hill, Beaufort;
Out of State ______
(Circle or highlight all that apply)