Judge Constance Baker Motley Fellowship
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
Judge Constance Baker Motley was one of the most distinguished legal minds in American history. She served as a pioneering civil rights attorney, a national advocate for equality, and the first African American woman appointed to the federal judiciary. As a leading attorney for the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, she helped shape the strategy for Brown v. Board of Education, argued landmark cases before the United States Supreme Court, and advanced the rights of students, workers, and communities across the nation. Her judicial career reflected fairness, intellectual rigor, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Her legacy inspires scholars and leaders who work to create a more equitable society.
The Fellowship Program
The National Justice Foundation offers a comprehensive Fellowship Program that nurtures emerging scholars and elevates the work of established leaders in the fields of justice, equity, and public service. The program supports academic excellence and meaningful reform by providing opportunities for research, publication, and national engagement.
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Fellows
The student fellowship is open to undergraduate, graduate, law, and doctoral students who are committed to advancing justice through thoughtful inquiry and evidence based research. Fellows will complete one research paper during their fellowship year. The paper may serve as a capstone project, dissertation chapter, or any academic work that contributes to the study of justice systems and social change. Each student fellow will deliver a formal presentation of their paper at the National Justice Foundation annual conference.
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Fellowship Applicants
Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited undergraduate, graduate, law, or doctoral program. Students should have a demonstrated interest in justice, public policy, social systems, or a related field. Strong academic standing, the ability to conduct independent research, and a faculty recommendation are expected.
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Senior Fellows
The senior fellowship is designed for faculty members and seasoned scholars in law, public policy, social work, education, political science, and psychology. Senior fellows bring depth and experience to the Foundation through advanced research, mentorship, and thought leadership. They will prepare one paper for publication and will present their work at the annual conference. Senior fellows also support emerging scholars through guidance and collaborative dialogue.
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Senior Fellowship Applicants
Senior fellowship candidates must hold a faculty appointment or professional role in law, public policy, social work, education, political science, psychology, or a related discipline. Applicants should have a record of scholarship, leadership, or significant professional contributions. Prior research experience and a history of publishing or presenting work are preferred.
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Editorial Board
The Foundation offers Editorial Board roles for academic and professional leaders who serve or have served as deans, department chairs, provosts, university presidents, judges, elected officials, senior administrators, statesmen, or diplomats. Editorial Board members help guide the scholarly direction of the Foundation by reviewing submissions, shaping research priorities, and ensuring that the Foundation’s publications reflect the highest standards of excellence.
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Together, these fellowships create a community of thinkers and practitioners who share a commitment to research-informed reform. Fellows engage in meaningful scholarship, contribute to national conversations, and support the Foundation’s mission to promote justice that is grounded in evidence and guided by equity.
FELLOWS
PARTNERS
