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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.

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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’ 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.

Make an impact on Capitol Hill as a LEGIS Fellow

Benefits

As a LEGIS Fellow you become a critical part of the legislative team. You gain an insider’s perspective, leaning about the inner workings of Congress with a front row seat. The connections you make will serve you for years to come.

 Former Rep. Earl Blumenauer (R-OR)

Past Assignments

Previous Fellows have served these offices and committees:

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. Bill Hagerty (R-TN)

Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA)

Senate Finance Committee

Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)

Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY)

 Senate Homeland Security Committee
Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD)

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)

2026 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 5, 2025
Final Deadline: October 24, 2025

Orientation

Orientation is mandatory for all fellows Live Virtual Kickoff: December 3, 2025 In-Person Orientation: January 5-13, 2026  

Seven-month

January 5-July 31, 2026*
Tuition: $4,650

Full-year

January 5-December 18, 2026*
Tuition: $6,250

* Listed end dates are based on the projected Congressional calendar and may vary slightly.

The LEGIS Fellowship program is competative

Eligibility

  • Significant interest in legislative policy

    • Submit a personal statement describing how the fellowship fits your career goals and benefits your organization

  • Minimum of 7 years management experience

    • Ability to work independently
    • Federal employees must have a minimum GS-13 or equivalent

  • Employer support

    • Your supervisor must write a letter of recommendation and assessment that addresses what you will bring to the fellowship.
    • Funding approval
      • Government candidates must submit an approved training form with billing instructions and a purchase order number (such as a SF-182, DD1556, or HHS350; please review our sample SF-182)
      • Private-sector candidates must provide full billing information

  • Select government agencies have an internal selection process

    • Department of Defense
      • Eligible personnel must apply in April to an annual annual DoD call for Legislative Fellow nominees. Only Legislative Fellowship nominees who are approved in writing by the USD(P&R) are authorized to apply to the Brookings Institute Legislative Fellowship.  Please refer to DoDI 1322.06 for full details.

Application Process

Apply online using a permanent personal email address you can access throughout the fellowship.

The following documents must be uploaded:

  • Personal statement
  • Detailed, up-to-date resume
  • Letter of recommendation from your supervisor
  • Proof of funding approval

Apply Now

Contact
Ian Dubin Associate Dean and Managing Director - WashU at Brookings