Applications are now open for the Clooney Foundation for Justice Fellowship 2027, a paid professional fellowship for early-career women lawyers interested in advancing justice for women and children across Africa.
The programme offers fellows the opportunity to spend a full year working with a host organisation while gaining practical experience in legal research, advocacy, legal representation and strategic litigation.
The 2027 fellowship will run from January to December 2027, and applications close on October 20, 2026.
About the Clooney Foundation for Justice Fellowship
The CFJ Fellowship is part of the Foundation’s Waging Justice for Women & Children work. Fellows are placed with human rights organisations, legal aid clinics, or government legal institutions in Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, or The Gambia.
Their work focuses on legal issues affecting women and children, including efforts to address violence against women and children. Also, the fellowship is an in-person, full-time, one-year placement, although some mentorship, training and networking activities are conducted online
What Does the Fellowship Offer?
Paid work placement
Host organisations provide Fellows with the equivalent in local currency of a competitive gross annual salary, and additional travel or work-related expenses may be covered at the discretion of CFJ or the host organisation.
Practical legal experience
Fellows work directly with their host organisation and may be involved in:
- Legal research
- Legal drafting
- Advocacy
- Direct legal assistance
- Legal representation
- Strategic litigation
- Work relating to women and children’s rights
Mentorship
Fellows receive mentoring from the Justice for Women & Children Programme Director, supervisors at their host organisation and human rights experts.
Training
The programme includes monthly online training led by human rights experts.
Professional network
Fellows gain access to a network of lawyers, judges, academics, activists and other human rights professionals.
Alumni network
After completing the fellowship, participants join the CFJ Fellowship Alumni Programme network for continued support, collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Who Can Apply?
This is a specialised opportunity, so applicants should read the eligibility requirements carefully. The programme is intended for early-career women lawyers who:
- Hold a recognised law degree.
- Are admitted to practise as a lawyer in the country of the selected host organisation.
- Have up to five years of legal experience after graduation from law school or qualification as a lawyer in their jurisdiction.
- Have the legal right to work in the relevant host country.
- Can commit to the full-time fellowship from January to December 2027.
- Have strong legal research, writing, and communication skills.
- Can demonstrate an interest in justice and human rights.
Meanwhile, experience in women’s rights or human rights organisations is preferred.
Host Countries
Applicants can select a host organisation in one of four countries:
- Kenya
- Malawi
- South Africa
- The Gambia
However, a major point to understand is that applicants must already have the right to work in the country of their selected host organisation. Also, CFJ says it cannot support the cost of international relocation or obtaining work authorisation.
Documents and Information Required
The application form asks candidates to provide:
- Personal information
- Professional information
- Details of their legal admission
- Current occupation
- Recent legal professional experience
- A statement of interest
- CV/resume
- Details of two professional references
Well, the CV must be submitted in PDF format and should be no more than two pages.
Also, applicants also need to provide a statement addressing why they want the fellowship, how it fits their future career, and a strategic litigation or legal advocacy project they would like to support.
How to Apply for the Clooney Foundation for Justice Fellowship 2027
Step 1: Check your legal eligibility
Confirm that you are admitted to practise law in one of the four host countries.
Step 2: Review the host organisations
Choose the host organisation that matches your qualifications, location, and professional interests.
Step 3: Prepare your CV
The application requires a PDF CV of no more than two pages.
Step 4: Prepare your statement of interest
Explain why you want to join the fellowship and how it connects with your future legal career.
Step 5: Develop your strategic litigation idea
The application asks you to describe a strategic litigation case or legal advocacy project you would be interested in supporting to advance the rights of women and children.
Step 6: Provide two professional references
Your references should be people who have worked with you professionally.
Step 7: Submit the online application
Complete and submit the official application form before the deadline.
Application Deadline
The official application deadline is:
October 20, 2026, at 12:00 PM SAST.
The fellowship itself runs from January 2027 to December 2027.
Clooney Foundation for Justice Fellowship 2027 – Official Page
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Clooney Foundation for Justice Fellowship fully funded?
It is a paid professional fellowship. Host organisations provide Fellows with the equivalent in local currency of a competitive gross annual salary. Additional expenses may be covered at the discretion of CFJ or the host organisation.
Can law students apply?
The programme requires applicants to be admitted to practise as lawyers, so it is not intended for students who have not yet qualified and been admitted.
Which countries host the fellowship?
The host countries are Kenya, Malawi, South Africa and The Gambia.
How long is the fellowship?
It is a one-year, full-time fellowship running from January to December 2027.
Is the fellowship remote?
No, it is primarily an in-person placement with the host organisation.
How many references are required?
Applicants must provide two professional references.
CHECK THESE OUT:
Equality Fund Global Journalism Fellowship 2026
Princeton PIIRS Fung Global Fellows Program 2027/2028
Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowship 2027/2028
Princeton in Africa Fellowship 2027/2028
IAEA Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme 2027