For the Class of 2026, Columbia Law School provides a prestigious and extensive array of postgraduate fellowships that are intended to assist graduates committed to using the law as a weapon for the public good. These fellowships are designed for people who want to make a difference in fields like environmental law, financial regulation, international human rights, social justice advocacy, public interest law, and government service. The fellowships, which are available to recent graduates as well as J.D. and LL.M. students, provide a strong link between legal education and professional engagement in fulfilling, service-oriented work.
Through a combination of financial assistance, professional placement possibilities, and mentorship, each fellowship allows applicants to collaborate with renowned organizations both domestically and internationally. Fellows get resources to hone their advocacy and legal abilities, individualized advice, and access to professional supervision. These fellowships are intended to help graduates become leaders in tackling some of the most important legal and societal issues of our day, in addition to making the transfer to the workforce easier.
Columbia Law School fellowships provide an opportunity to start your legal career with a purpose, regardless of your passion: advancing international human rights, financial policy, environmental justice, or helping underserved communities through domestic public service.
With information on application deadlines, eligibility requirements, and essential requirements, this guide will assist potential applicants in navigating the vast array of fellowship opportunities that will be available in 2026. It will also emphasize the tremendous value that these programs provide for individuals who are dedicated to using the law to change the world.
Host Country: USA
University: Columbia Law School
Opportunity Type: Fellowship
Subjects: Law, Social Justice, Advocacy, Public Policy, International Human Rights Law, Human Rights
Eligibility Country: International Students, Domestic Students
Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
Eligibility Criteria:
- provides two-year funding to up to three Columbia Law School J.D. graduates.
- Selected impact litigation organizations dedicated to furthering justice are assigned fellows.
- provides practical experience in well-known legal advocacy and social change projects.
- Fellows will work on innovative impact litigation initiatives.
- The following are the host organizations for the 2026–2028 term:
- Reproductive Rights Center
- Council for the Defense of Natural Resources (NRDC)
- The NYCLU, or New York Civil Liberties Union
Benefits:
- Collaborate closely with well-known advocacy and legal groups
- Launch a career in government service, human rights, or public interest law.
- Make connections with a robust network of legal professionals and mentors.
- Get financial assistance in the formative years of your career.
- Participate in creative legal advocacy that affects both domestic and global challenges.
Deadline: 14 June 2026
