JD Civitas ChildLaw Fellows Program
The JD Civitas ChildLaw Fellows Program is designed for students who are pursuing a law degree with a clear commitment to advocating for children and families after graduation. The program offers a supportive and rigorous pathway for students who aspire to become thoughtful, effective leaders in child and family advocacy.
ChildLaw Fellows receive $24,000 in financial support over three years. This support includes tuition assistance to pursue a course of study in child law and assistance with the first summer internship experience. Together, these opportunities are intended to build the knowledge, skills, and professional perspective necessary for a career dedicated to children’s welfare.
Each year, Loyola selects up to 10 ChildLaw Fellows from among students entering the full-time JD program. To date, more than 200 Fellows have graduated and are making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families around the world. Our alumni lead high-impact litigation, shape policy, and advance legislation that protects children and families; many have earned prestigious fellowships—including Fulbright, Skadden, and Equal Justice Works—and have gone on to work as leaders including with the Juvenile Law Center, National Juvenile Defender Center, UNICEF, and the Southern Poverty Law Center. You will also find our alumni fighting for children in influential roles in the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, Office of the Cook County Public Defender, Office of the Public Guardian, Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, and many other national, state, and local organizations.
Application Opens January 12, 2026 - Deadline March 15, 2026
Students admitted as full-time, first-year students may apply by submitting an application. Applicants are accepted on a rolling basis, and the application closes March 15. The application process requires:
- Completed application form*
- Résumé
- Essay
- Letter of recommendation**
* Fellowship applications may be submitted at the same time as a candidate’s application for admission to Loyola University Chicago School of Law or after admission.
** The letter of recommendation may be from the same recommender used for the admission application, but a separate copy must be submitted with the fellowship application.
Selection Criteria
ChildLaw Fellows are selected on the basis of:
- Commitment to children’s welfare
- Leadership potential
- Academic ability
Diversity of background and experience is highly valued.
Frequently asked questions
What is the selection process like?
The Fellowship Selection Committee reviews all applications and selects a pool of finalists.
While we prefer to interview finalists in person at Loyola’s ChildLaw Center, we will arrange virtual interviews when travel is not feasible. Finalists traveling from outside the Chicago area will be reimbursed for travel expenses up to $200. Applicants are notified of their status on a rolling basis.
What are the expectations for ChildLaw Fellows?
The ChildLaw Fellows 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, including two internships ($6,000 of the Fellowship funding helps support the first-year summer internship); and participate in ChildLaw program activities.
After graduation, Fellows commit to working in the field of child and family law for at least two years within the first five years following graduation. Qualifying work may include, but is not limited to, providing legal representation to underserved or underrepresented children and families, as well as legislative, policy, administrative, or research work on their behalf.
If I receive a Childlaw fellowship, and I eligible for financial aid?
Yes, the Fellowship may be awarded in addition to other Loyola scholarship funding, but the total amount of awards received cannot exceed the cost of tuition.
If I am not selected as a ChildLaw Fellow, may I still participate in the ChildLaw program at Loyola?
Absolutely. ChildLaw courses, symposia, clinical opportunities, and externships are open to all Loyola law students. Students are invited to attend a ChildLaw open house in the fall to learn about the full range of opportunities available.
The JD Civitas ChildLaw Fellows Program is designed for students who are pursuing a law degree with a clear commitment to advocating for children and families after graduation. The program offers a supportive and rigorous pathway for students who aspire to become thoughtful, effective leaders in child and family advocacy.
ChildLaw Fellows receive $24,000 in financial support over three years. This support includes tuition assistance to pursue a course of study in child law and assistance with the first summer internship experience. Together, these opportunities are intended to build the knowledge, skills, and professional perspective necessary for a career dedicated to children’s welfare.
Each year, Loyola selects up to 10 ChildLaw Fellows from among students entering the full-time JD program. To date, more than 200 Fellows have graduated and are making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families around the world. Our alumni lead high-impact litigation, shape policy, and advance legislation that protects children and families; many have earned prestigious fellowships—including Fulbright, Skadden, and Equal Justice Works—and have gone on to work as leaders including with the Juvenile Law Center, National Juvenile Defender Center, UNICEF, and the Southern Poverty Law Center. You will also find our alumni fighting for children in influential roles in the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, Office of the Cook County Public Defender, Office of the Public Guardian, Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, and many other national, state, and local organizations.
Application Opens January 12, 2026 - Deadline March 15, 2026
Students admitted as full-time, first-year students may apply by submitting an application. Applicants are accepted on a rolling basis, and the application closes March 15. The application process requires:
- Completed application form*
- Résumé
- Essay
- Letter of recommendation**
* Fellowship applications may be submitted at the same time as a candidate’s application for admission to Loyola University Chicago School of Law or after admission.
** The letter of recommendation may be from the same recommender used for the admission application, but a separate copy must be submitted with the fellowship application.
Selection Criteria
ChildLaw Fellows are selected on the basis of:
- Commitment to children’s welfare
- Leadership potential
- Academic ability
Diversity of background and experience is highly valued.