Thank you for your interest in the Philadelphia Bar Foundation’s Board Observer Program.
The Board Observer Program pairs young lawyers and legal professionals with nonprofit boards for a one-year term. Observers gain hands-on experience in board service, while host organizations benefit from fresh perspectives and connections to the legal community. The program also provides at least four trainings each year for Observers, which are open to staff and Board members from host organizations as well.
This Interest Form is designed for individuals and organizations interested in learning more about participating in the Board Observer Program. Whether you are a prospective Observer interested in a future program cycle or an organization interested in serving as a host, the information you provide will help the Philadelphia Bar Foundation understand your interest and follow up with relevant information about participation and next steps.
Program Timeline
The Board Observer Program operates on a January through December program cycle. Prospective Observers and host organizations may submit this Interest Form at any time. Formal participation opportunities generally follow the timeline below:
- Mid-September: Host Organization applications open for the upcoming program year.
- Early October: Observer applications open for the upcoming program year.I
- December: Observer and host organization matching takes place.
- January: The new Board Observer Program year begins.
Submitting this Interest Form does not serve as an application to the Board Observer Program. Individuals and organizations that wish to participate will still need to complete the appropriate application when it becomes available.
If you have any questions, please contact Brandi Wardlow Ray, Director of Programs, at bwardlow@philabarfoundation.org or Jessica Hilburn-Holmes, Executive Director, at jhilburnholmes@philabarfoundation.org.