Child Law J.D. Fellowship
- Application Form (PDF)
- Application Process
- Faculty & Staff
- Fellowship Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Program Information
Program Information
Loyola's Civitas ChildLaw Center offers a three-year sequenced course of interdisciplinary study for ChildLaw Fellows. The curriculum is designed to provide Fellows with a strong grounding in the substantive knowledge, practice skills and ethical issues encountered by attorneys for children and families. Certain courses are required, while others are recommended.
In deciding which courses should be required, faculty have taken into account the centrality of the subject matter and the need for students to complete other requirements in the Law School's curriculum and to satisfy standards for admission to the Bar. The formal curriculum is reviewed annually and changes are made based on student reactions, teacher availability and the changing needs of the practice.
Faculty & Staff
The staff and faculty at the Civitas ChildLaw Center combine professionalism and years of experience in the fields of pediatric and family law with a commitment to helping students at the Law School attain a deeper understanding of the issues students will face once they start working in this field of law. Both staff and faculty are always available to answer any questions you might have about the Civitas ChildLaw Center and its different programs. For more information about the center's faculty and staff, click here.
Fellowship Information
Each year Loyola selects up to ten ChildLaw Fellows from among students admitted to the entering full-time J.D. class. Fellows receive scholarship assistance, internship experience, and, in addition to the regular law school curriculum, pursue an interdisciplinary course of study that provides the knowledge and skills needed to advocate effectively for children's legal interests. Elements of the program include:- A $10,000 tuition fellowship given out over three years of law school.
- A $5,000 scholarship to support two required internships.
- The most comprehensive childlaw curriculum offered at any American law school, including specialized legal writing and trial practice courses.
- Opportunities to provide direct representation to children in a variety of legal proceedings through the Loyola Civitas ChildLaw Clinic.
- A symposia series in which national and local experts share research and discuss current issues affecting children and families.
- Hands-on work experience through Loyola's extensive externship program.
- A chance to edit a national publication - The Children's Legal Rights Journal
Application Process
Only first-year students admitted to the full-time day program are eligible to receive a ChildLaw Fellowship. All applicants for the Fellowship must submit a resume, completed application form, essay, and one letter of recommendation. Fellowship applications may be submitted at the same time as a candidate's Loyola School of Law application; letters of recommendation may be the same for both applications.
The Fellowship Selection Committee reviews all applications and selects Fellowship finalists. All finalists attend a day-long interview at Loyola in late March/early April. Finalists will be notified in advance and will be asked to make travel arrangements to Chicago. Travel may be required on short notice. Applicants will be notified in writing of their status by April 15. Applicants are encouraged to submit their Fellowship application as early as possible, but no later than March 1.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualities does the Fellowship Selection Committee look for in a Loyola ChildLaw Fellow?
Fellows are selected on the basis of academic ability, leadership potential and, most importantly, a commitment to using their legal training to promote children's welfare.
What are the expectations for ChildLaw Fellows?
The ChildLaw Fellowship Program is intended for law students who intend 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, he or she has a moral obligation to reimburse Loyola for all fellowship support so that these monies can be reinvested in future Fellows.
If I receive a ChildLaw Fellowship, am I eligible for financial aid?
Yes. The Fellowship is in addition to any other financial aid for which a Loyola law student may qualify.
If 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.
