USA Columbia Law School Fellowships 2026 (Fully Funded)
Description
Columbia Law School offers an extensive range of prestigious postgraduate fellowships for the Class of 2026, designed to support graduates committed to public interest law, human rights, government service, and social justice advocacy. These fellowships provide financial support, mentorship, and placement opportunities across the United States and internationally.
Whether you are a J.D. or LL.M. student or a recent graduate, this guide will help you explore the top Columbia Law School fellowships for 2026, their deadlines, eligibility, and application requirements.
Degree Level
USA Columbia Law School Fellowships 2026 (Fully Funded) is available to undertake Fellowship level programs at Columbia Law School.
Available Subjects
Following subjects are available to study under this scholarship program.
- Law
- Public Policy
- Human Rights
- International Human Rights Law
- Social Justice
- Advocacy
Benefits
Why Apply for a Columbia Law Fellowship?
- 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.
Eligible Nationalities
Open to applicants of all nationalities.
Eligibility Criteria
Top Columbia Law School Fellowships 2026
1. Columbia Justice Fellowship (2026)
- Duration: 2 years
- Focus: Impact litigation with leading justice organizations
- Host Organizations:
- Center for Reproductive Rights
- Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)
- New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU)
- Deadline: October 15, 2025
- Eligibility: Columbia J.D. Class of 2026
2. David W. Leebron Human Rights Fellowship (2026)
- Duration: 1 year
- Focus: U.S. or international human rights work
- Deadline: February 22, 2026
- Eligibility: Columbia J.D. and LL.M. Class of 2026 and select graduates
3. Excelsior Service Fellowship (2025)
- Duration: 2 years
- Focus: New York State government roles
- Deadline: January 26, 2025
- Eligibility: Columbia 3Ls (predetermined number of slots)
4. Global Public Service Fellowship (2026)
- Duration: 12 months
- Focus: Public service organizations or courts abroad, especially in Asia
- Special Consideration: Environmental law in the Pan-Asia region
- Deadline: February 1, 2026
- Eligibility: J.D. and LL.M. Class of 2026, select recent grads
5. Herbert and Nell Singer Social Justice Fellowship (2026)
- Duration: 2 years
- Focus: Public interest work in U.S.-based nonprofit organizations
- Deadline: November 2, 2025
- Eligibility: J.D. Class of 2026 and select Columbia Law graduates
6. J.D. Pathways Fellowship (2026) – Max Berger ’71
- Duration: 1 year
- Focus: U.S. or international public interest, government, or human rights
- Deadline: May 3, 2026
- Eligibility: Columbia J.D. Class of 2026 (others may be added)
7. LL.M. Pathways Fellowship (2026)
- Duration: 3–12 months
- Focus: Public service and human rights law
- Deadline: March 8, 2026
- Eligibility: Current Columbia LL.M. students
8. Millstein Financial Regulation & Government Service Fellowships (2026)
- Focus: U.S. Congress or executive agency work on financial regulation
- Deadline: November 30, 2025 (Financial Regulation)
- November 30, 2026 (Government Service)
- Eligibility: Columbia J.D. Class of 2026 and select graduates
9. Public Interest Enhanced LRAP Fellowships (2026)
- Benefits: Full loan repayment (up to tuition level) for qualifying fellows earning under $100,000 annually
- Fellowships: Berger Fellowship, Lowenstein Fellowship
- Deadline: June 14, 2026
- Eligibility: Select J.D. students and graduates
10. Manne Family Fellowships (2026 Updates Pending)
- Host Organizations:
- Texas Civil Rights Project
- Texas Defender Service
- Focus: Impact litigation and death penalty defense
- Eligibility: Columbia, Harvard, UT Austin recent grads
11. Kirkland & Ellis NYC Public Service Fellowship (2025)
- Duration: 1 year
- Location: New York City
- Deadline: February 6, 2025
- Eligibility: Columbia and NYU 3Ls
12. Mark Haas Public Interest Fellowship (2025)
- Duration: 3–6 months
- Focus: Graduates from China doing public interest legal work in the U.S.
- Deadline: March 5, 2025
- Eligibility: Columbia J.D. or LL.M. students from China
13. Sandler/Human Rights Watch Fellowship (2025)
- Duration: 1 year
- Focus: International human rights monitoring and reporting
- Deadline: October 14, 2024
- Eligibility: Columbia J.D. students and recent graduates
14. Social Justice Legal Foundation Impact Litigation Fellowship (Next Offered: 2027)
- Duration: 2 years
- Location: Los Angeles, hybrid work
- Salary: Starts at $86,000
- Eligibility: Columbia, Yale, UCLA, Stanford, Howard, and Northwestern law graduates (0–2 years post-grad)
Application Procedure
FAQs
Q1: Who can apply for Columbia Law School fellowships?
A: Most fellowships are open to J.D. and/or LL.M. students from the Class of 2026, while some include recent alumni and select graduates from partner institutions.
Q2: Are these fellowships fully funded?
A: Yes, most Columbia fellowships offer stipends to support full-time legal work in qualifying organizations, often for 1–2 years.
Q3: Can international students apply?
A: Yes. Some fellowships like the Global Public Service Fellowship, LL.M. Pathways, and Mark Haas Fellowship specifically encourage international participation.
Q4: Do I need a host organization before applying?
A: Yes, most fellowships require applicants to propose or secure a host organization in their application.
Q5: Can I apply for more than one fellowship?
A: Yes, but you should carefully tailor each application to the specific goals and eligibility criteria of each fellowship.
Final Thoughts
Columbia Law School’s Fellowships for 2026 offer unparalleled opportunities to launch your legal career with a mission. Whether your passion lies in environmental justice, financial regulation, international human rights, or domestic public service, there is a fellowship designed to help you make an impact.
Stay updated on application openings and deadlines by visiting the Columbia Law School Fellowship Page.
