The Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University established the 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 and provides the foundation Fellows need to become effective advocates, 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.
Program staff provide Fellows with mentoring and professional development opportunities throughout their three years at Hofstra. Fellows are invited to attend various program events, participate in a public service project of the Center for Children, Families, and the Law, and regularly meet with program staff and other Fellows.
As part of the program, Fellows are required to complete two 10-week summer internships after their first and second years. Internships enable students to integrate the practical experience of full-time work with their formal legal training and Fellows have had the opportunity to work with judges, legal service organizations, and district attorney’s offices.
For three years after graduation, Fellows are expected to use their specialized training to represent the legal interests of children and families.
