June 18, 1998

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C. ---- APPLICATIONS FOR JUDICIAL FELLOWS COMMISSIONS PROGRAM 1999-2000 NOW AVAILABLE

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that the Judicial Fellows Commission is accepting applications for the 1999-2000 Judicial Fellows Program. Applications and brochures will be made available at both of Faleomavaega's offices in American Samoa and Washington, D.C. Applications are due November 6, 1998.

"This program allows the opportunity for individuals who are interested in judicial administration to work in either the Supreme Court of the United States, the Federal Judicial Center, the Administrative Office of the Courts or the United States Sentencing Commission for one calendar year, normally September through August," said Faleomavaega. The position entails a myriad of projects which will allow the selected candidate to do extensive research on various issues concerning the federal court system and judicial administration.

"This is a unique opportunity which allows a limited number of available positions, therefore, selection is very competitive," noted the Congressman. The criteria for selection include at least one post graduate degree and two or more years of recommendable professional experience. Multidisciplinary training and experience is not required but is preferred. Former Fellows of past years have had academic backgrounds of political science, public and business administration, economics, the behavioral sciences, systems analysis, journalism and law.

This application is not limited to lawyers or to those who aspire to be lawyers, but rather it is a rewarding opportunity open to all who are interested in experiencing how things operate on the federal level and a chance to gain personal knowledge and first-hand experience of the federal court system and judicial administration.

It is discouraging to admit that as of yet we have not had an American Samoan selected to participate in this valuable learning experience. The Congressman urges all American Samoans who meet the basic qualifications to apply. He promises to be of as much support as he can be throughout the application process.