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Developing Leaders in Family Law

There is an urgent need for lawyers trained in an interdisciplinary environment to provide effective representation for children, participate in ongoing education and research, and improve services to families in need. Hofstra University School of Law established its Child and Family Advocacy Fellowship Program in 2002 to train and develop the next generation of leaders in the specialized field of family law. It is one of the most comprehensive fellowship programs of its kind in the country. The program provides the foundation needed for our fellows to become heads of social service organizations, members of the judiciary, leaders of the bar, and legislators who will work collaboratively with those from related disciplines to improve the family court system in America.

Fellowship Awards

Each year, Hofstra Law School selects up to five (5) fellows from among students admitted to the entering J.D. class. Fellowships are awarded to students who intend to pursue careers in child and family advocacy. Scholarship awards include a maximum $10,000 tuition fellowship each year over three years of law school and up to two $7,500 summer externship stipends to cover living expenses.

Program Requirements

The Child and Family Advocacy Fellowships are awarded for one year, but are renewed annually subject to satisfactory academic performance and full participation in program activities and externships. Students must maintain a satisfactory average in their law school work; the present requirement is 3.25 GPA.

Students are required to complete two 10-week summer externships, approved by the director, after their first and second years. Each externship is supported by a fellowship stipend to cover living expenses, and enables students to integrate the practical experience of full-time work with their formal legal training. At the end of the summer, students are required to submit to the director written reports on their externships.

Fellows are required to attend various program functions and to meet regularly with the director.

A student's academic program in the second and third years is subject to approval by the director. Second- and third-year students are also assigned to work on projects for The Center for Children, Families and the Law.

Upon graduation, fellows are expected to use their specialized training to represent the legal interests of children and families for at least three years. If a graduate is unwilling or unable to meet this expectation, he or she has an obligation to reimburse Hofstra for all fellowship support so that these monies can be reinvested in future fellows.

The Selection Process

Fellows are selected on the basis of academic ability, leadership potential, experience in the field and, most importantly, demonstrated commitment to using their legal training to promote the welfare of children and families. The final selection of fellows is conducted by a Selection Committee of faculty and professionals in the field, after on-campus interviews with candidates. The academic achievement and aptitude of applicants are considered carefully by the Selection Committee. An affirmative attempt is made to ensure the diversity of each entering class of fellows.