Columbia Law School Fellowships 2026 in USA | Fully Funded

Columbia Law School Fellowships 2026 offer outstanding opportunities for law graduates who are passionate about public interest law, human rights, government service, and social justice. These prestigious fellowships not only provide financial support but also include mentorship and placement opportunities with leading institutions in the United States and abroad, making them a valuable stepping stone for those pursuing impactful legal careers.

For J.D. and LL.M. students, as well as recent graduates, the Columbia Law School Fellowships 2026 present a clear pathway to gain hands-on experience while building a strong professional network. This guide highlights the top fellowships available, including details on eligibility, deadlines, and application requirements, ensuring aspiring candidates have all the essential information they need to apply successfully.

Fellowship Summary

• Country: USA
• Host: Columbia Law School
• Benefits: Fully Funded
• Duration: 2 years
• Deadline: 14 June 2026

Benefits

• Gain direct access to prestigious legal organizations.
• Launch a career in public interest, human rights, or government service.
• Build a network of professionals and mentors in your field.
• Secure financial support during the critical early career phase.
• Participate in cutting-edge legal advocacy shaping national and global discourse.

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

Top Columbia Law School Fellowships 2026

Columbia Justice Fellowship (2026)

1. Duration: 2 years
2. Focus: Impact litigation with leading justice organizations
3. Host Organizations:
4. Center for Reproductive Rights
5. Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)
6. New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU)
7. Deadline: October 15, 2025
8. Eligibility: Columbia J.D. Class of 2026

 David W. Leebron Human Rights Fellowship (2026)

1. Duration: 1 year
2. Focus: U.S. or international human rights work
3. Deadline: February 22, 2026
4. Eligibility: Columbia J.D. and LL.M. Class of 2026 and select graduates

 Global Public Service Fellowship (2026)

1. Duration: 12 months
2. Focus: Public service organizations or courts abroad, especially in Asia
3. Special Consideration: Environmental law in the Pan-Asia region
4. Deadline: February 1, 2026
5. Eligibility: J.D. and LL.M. Class of 2026, select recent grads

Herbert and Nell Singer Social Justice Fellowship (2026)

1. Duration: 2 years
2. Focus: Public interest work in U.S.-based nonprofit organizations
3. Deadline: November 2, 2025
4. Eligibility: J.D. Class of 2026 and select Columbia Law graduates

 J.D. Pathways Fellowship (2026) – Max Berger ’71

1. Duration: 1 year
2. Focus: U.S. or international public interest, government, or human rights
3. Deadline: May 3, 2026
4. Eligibility: Columbia J.D. Class of 2026 (others may be added)

 LL.M. Pathways Fellowship (2026)

1. Duration: 3–12 months
2. Focus: Public service and human rights law
3. Deadline: March 8, 2026
4. Eligibility: Current Columbia LL.M. students

 Millstein Financial Regulation & Government Service Fellowships (2026)

1. Focus: U.S. Congress or executive agency work on financial regulation
2. Deadline: November 30, 2025 (Financial Regulation)
3. November 30, 2026 (Government Service)
4. Eligibility: Columbia J.D. Class of 2026 and select graduates

 Public Interest Enhanced LRAP Fellowships (2026)

1. Benefits: Full loan repayment (up to tuition level) for qualifying fellows earning under $100,000 annually
2. Fellowships: Berger Fellowship, Lowenstein Fellowship
3. Deadline: June 14, 2026
4. Eligibility: Select J.D. students and graduates

 Manne Family Fellowships (2026 Updates Pending)

1. Host Organizations:
2. Texas Civil Rights Project
3. Texas Defender Service
4. Focus: Impact litigation and death penalty defense
5. Eligibility: Columbia, Harvard, UT Austin recent grads

 Social Justice Legal Foundation Impact Litigation Fellowship (Next Offered: 2027)

1. Duration: 2 years
2. Location: Los Angeles, hybrid work
3. Salary: Starts at $86,000
4. Eligibility: Columbia, Yale, UCLA, Stanford, Howard, and Northwestern law graduates (0–2 years post-grad)

How to Apply?

• Choose the right fellowship: Review available programs and pick one that fits your goals and qualifications.
• Secure a host organization: Confirm an organization where you’ll gain meaningful legal experience.
• Prepare your application: Include your resume/CV, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and legal writing samples.
• Submit online: Upload all required documents and follow specific submission instructions.
• Meet deadlines: Check each fellowship’s deadline and submit on time to ensure consideration.
• Prepare for interviews: Be ready to discuss your experience, motivation, and fit for the fellowship.
• Wait for notification: Selected candidates will receive instructions to begin their fellowship.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Columbia Law School Fellowships 2026 provide J.D. and LL.M. graduates with financial support, mentorship, and hands-on experience in public interest, human rights, and government service. These programs prepare fellows for high-impact legal careers in the U.S. and abroad.