JD Civitas ChildLaw Fellows Program
The ChildLaw Fellows program is for students who seek a law degree with the intent to advocate for children after they graduate. Fellows receive $20,000 in scholarship assistance over three years, internship experience, and an interdisciplinary course of study that provides the knowledge and skills required to become leaders in the profession working on behalf of children and families.
Each year Loyola selects up to ten ChildLaw Fellows from among students entering the full-time JD class. To date, nearly two hundred ChildLaw Fellows have graduated from the program and are making a difference in the lives of children around the world.
Admitted full-time, first-year students may apply to the program by submitting an application by March 15 that includes:
- Completed application form*
- Resume
- Essay
- Letter of recommendation**
*Fellowship applications may be submitted at the same time as a candidate’s admission to Loyola’s School of Law or thereafter.
**The letter of recommendation may be from the same recommender for both your application for admission and application for fellowship, but individual copies must be submitted with each application.
Selection Criteria
ChildLaw Fellows are selected on the basis of academic ability, leadership potential, and a commitment to children’s welfare. Diversity of background and experience is highly valued.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Selection Process Timeline?
The Fellowship Selection Committee reviews all applications and selects a pool of Fellowship finalists. All finalists attend a day-long interview at Loyola. Finalists will be notified in advance and will be asked to make travel arrangements to Chicago and travel may be required on short notice. Finalists who travel from outside the Chicago area will be reimbursed up to $200 for travel expenses. Applicants are notified of their status on a rolling basis.
What are the expectations for Childlaw fellows?
The ChildLaw Fellowship Program is intended for law students who plan to pursue careers in children's advocacy. During their three years at Loyola, Fellows are expected to complete the required curriculum, satisfy a two-internship requirement, and participate in all ChildLaw program activities. After graduation, Fellows must use their specialized training to represent children's legal interests for two years. If a graduate is unable to meet this expectation, they have an obligation to reimburse Loyola for all fellowship support so that these monies can be reinvested in future Fellows.
If I receive a Childlaw fellowship, and I eligible for financial aid?
Yes, the Fellowship is in addition to any other financial aid for which a Loyola student may qualify.
If I am not selected as a ChildLaw fellow, may i still participate in the ChildLaw program at Loyola?
Absolutely! ChildLaw courses, symposia, clinical, and externship opportunities are open to all Loyola law students. Students are invited to attend a ChildLaw orientation program in August to learn about the full range of activities in which they are encouraged to participate.
The ChildLaw Fellows program is for students who seek a law degree with the intent to advocate for children after they graduate. Fellows receive $20,000 in scholarship assistance over three years, internship experience, and an interdisciplinary course of study that provides the knowledge and skills required to become leaders in the profession working on behalf of children and families.
Each year Loyola selects up to ten ChildLaw Fellows from among students entering the full-time JD class. To date, nearly two hundred ChildLaw Fellows have graduated from the program and are making a difference in the lives of children around the world.
Admitted full-time, first-year students may apply to the program by submitting an application by March 15 that includes:
- Completed application form*
- Resume
- Essay
- Letter of recommendation**
*Fellowship applications may be submitted at the same time as a candidate’s admission to Loyola’s School of Law or thereafter.
**The letter of recommendation may be from the same recommender for both your application for admission and application for fellowship, but individual copies must be submitted with each application.
Selection Criteria
ChildLaw Fellows are selected on the basis of academic ability, leadership potential, and a commitment to children’s welfare. Diversity of background and experience is highly valued.