USA Columbia Law School Fellowships 2026 | Fully Funded

Begin Your Legal Career with Impact: Apply for Columbia Law Fellowships 2026

Columbia Law School invites applications for its fully funded fellowships for the Class of 2026, tailored for graduates committed to public interest law, international human rights, government service, and social justice advocacy. These prestigious fellowships provide stipends, placements, and career mentorship to help early-career lawyers launch impactful legal paths.

Whether you’re a J.D. or LL.M. student or a recent graduate, this guide summarizes the top opportunities for 2026, including deadlines, eligibility, and how to apply.

Fellowship Overview

• Host Institution: Columbia Law School, USA

• Program Level: Postgraduate Fellowships

• Available Fields:

  • Law

  • Social Justice

  • Public Policy

  • Human Rights

  • Advocacy

  • International Law

• Duration: 3–24 months (varies by program)

• Funding: Fully funded with monthly stipends and placement support

• Eligibility: Open to all nationalities

Top Columbia Law Fellowships 2026

Here’s a curated list of the most sought-after fellowships at Columbia Law School:

1. Columbia Justice Fellowship

• Focus: Impact litigation

• Duration: 2 years

• Deadline: October 15, 2025

• Host Organizations: Center for Reproductive Rights, NRDC, NYCLU

2. David W. Leebron Human Rights Fellowship

• Focus: U.S. or international human rights

• Deadline: February 22, 2026

• Eligibility: J.D. & LL.M. students and select alumni

3. Excelsior Service Fellowship

• Focus: New York State government

• Deadline: January 26, 2025

4. Global Public Service Fellowship

• Focus: Public service abroad, especially in Asia

• Deadline: February 1, 2026

5. Herbert and Nell Singer Social Justice Fellowship

• Focus: U.S.-based nonprofits

• Deadline: November 2, 2025

6. J.D. Pathways Fellowship – Max Berger ’71

• Focus: Human rights, public interest, or government

• Deadline: May 3, 2026

7. LL.M. Pathways Fellowship

• Focus: Human rights and public service

• Deadline: March 8, 2026

8. Millstein Fellowships

• Focus: Financial regulation and government service

• Deadline: November 30, 2025 / 2026

9. Public Interest Enhanced LRAP Fellowships

• Benefits: Full loan repayment up to tuition level

• Deadline: June 14, 2026

10. Manne Family Fellowships

• Focus: Impact litigation and death penalty defense

• Host: Texas Civil Rights Project, Texas Defender Service

11. Kirkland & Ellis NYC Public Service Fellowship

• Focus: NYC-based public service

• Deadline: February 6, 2025

12. Mark Haas Public Interest Fellowship

• Focus: Chinese graduates doing U.S. legal work

• Deadline: March 5, 2025

13. Sandler/Human Rights Watch Fellowship

• Focus: International human rights research

• Deadline: October 14, 2024

14. Social Justice Legal Foundation Fellowship

• Location: Los Angeles (hybrid)

• Salary: From $86,000

• Next Round: 2027

Benefits of Columbia Law Fellowships

• Fully funded with monthly stipends

• Placement in top legal organizations and NGOs

• Mentorship and networking with legal experts

• Global and U.S.-based work opportunities

• Support for bar admission, visas (for international fellows), and long-term career growth

Apply Also

• Generation Google Scholarship 2025 for Women in Computer Science
• Fully Funded PhD Scholarships in Germany 2026 | Monthly Salary + Schengen Visa

Eligibility

• Who can apply?

  • J.D. or LL.M. students graduating in 2026

  • Recent alumni of Columbia (some open to graduates of other top law schools)

  • International students welcome

• Common Requirements:

  • Commitment to public interest/human rights

  • Proven academic excellence

  • Host organization (often required)

  • Resume, project proposal, and letters of recommendation

How to Apply

1. Choose your fellowship(s) based on interest and eligibility.

2. Secure or propose a host organization.

3. Prepare your application: resume, project statement, and letters of reference.

4. Submit by the relevant fellowship deadline via the Columbia Law School website.

Final Thoughts

The Columbia Law School Fellowships 2026 offer a unique pathway to build a meaningful legal career with global impact. Whether you’re passionate about defending civil liberties, working in international law, or shaping government policy, these fellowships give you the foundation to lead, advocate, and serve.

For more information, visit the Columbia Law Fellowships page (official site).

Apply Now