Fellowships and Scholarships

Freedman Social Justice Fellowship

For decades, Hofstra Law has been a leader in the field of legal ethics.

The Freedman Social Justice Fellowship Program, offered through the Monroe H. Freedman Institute for the Study of Legal Ethics, trains students to become skilled, thoughtful counselors and leaders who will be effective advocates to promote social justice and the public interest.

The Freedman Social Justice Fellowship program exposes students to significant and exciting issues in public interest law through active engagement in a range of events, from informal luncheons with students and faculty to Hofstra Law programs and conferences. Drawing on the unique interests and expertise they bring to law school, Freedman Social Justice Fellows take an active role in developing, organizing and participating in the Freedman Institute’s sponsored events.

The Freedman Social Justice Fellowship program also seeks to create and nurture a strong community within Hofstra Law for those dedicated to social justice and public service.

The Freedman Institute for the Study of Legal Ethics established the Freedman Social Justice Fellowship Program in 2016. This unique Fellowship was created by Professor Ellen Yaroshefsky to train law students throughout their three years to become skilled, thoughtful counselors and leaders who will be effective advocates to promote social justice and the public interest. The Fellowship is named in honor of Monroe H. Freedman, one of the profession’s most influential legal scholars who left an indelible mark on Hofstra Law. As the Law School’s second dean from 1973-1977 and as a professor until the time of his death in 2015, Professor Freedman helped to define Hofstra Law and establish our reputation as a place where social justice and ethical lawyering form our backbone.

Hofstra Law selects up to ten Social Justice Fellows each year from students admitted to the entering class. Fellows are selected based on their demonstrated commitment to social justice and public service; academic achievement, diverse background and interest; and prior experience in public interest organizations, nonprofits and/or government work.

The fellowship includes a one-time $500 stipend to be paid in equal installments during the first year of acceptance into the Freedman Social Justice Fellowship Program (August-May).

Fellows are required to contribute 10 hours per month during each academic year. Other requirements include: attending monthly Fellowship meetings, developing programs and participating in sponsored events. During their second and third years, Fellows are expected to provide a leadership and mentoring role to new Fellows who are accepted into the program.

A completed fellowship application must include:

  1. A résumé.

  2. Two letters of recommendation.

  3. A personal statement essay, no longer than two double-spaced pages, discussing the student’s interest in social justice and public interest law.

Deadline: June 15 (rolling admissions)

For More Information:

Contact Debbie Grattan, legal ethics coordinator, at Deborah.J.Grattan@hofstra.edu.