This
is the website of the Justice First Fellowship, a programme designed
for aspiring lawyers passionate about public interest and social
justice. If your goal is to pursue a meaningful career in social
welfare law, you have come to the right place.
The Justice First Fellowship,
established in 2014 by The Legal Education Foundation, is a
remarkable initiative dedicated to supporting the next generation of
legal professionals. The Foundation is a charitable organisation that
champions the transformative power of legal education, enabling
individuals and organisations to use the law as a force for good.
This programme is made even more impactful through the generous
support of partners such as the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Unbound
Philanthropy, BBC Children in Need, and many others. Since its
inception, over 80 Fellows have successfully qualified as social
justice lawyers, with their work making a tangible difference in
communities across the UK.
As a Justice First Fellow, you will
benefit from a two-year, fully funded training period anywhere in the
UK. This includes a free place on the Professional Skills Course at a
BPP campus, or equivalent compulsory training if you are in Scotland
or Northern Ireland.
If you are a law graduate with a deep commitment
to social justice, this programme is tailor-made for you. The
selection process is thorough, ensuring that successful applicants
are dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable and marginalised
communities. During your Fellowship, you will collaborate closely with a host organisation – these could be legal charities, law centres, or similar entities – to develop a project that directly addresses an area of social welfare law. This hands-on experience is invaluable, providing you with the opportunity to work on real-world issues while making a genuine impact on the lives of those in need.
Over the two-year period, you will design and
implement a bespoke project focused on meeting specific legal needs
within the community. Past Fellows have tackled a wide range of
pressing issues, including housing rights, immigration law,
disability rights, and access to justice. The programme encourages
you to approach these challenges with creativity and innovation,
ensuring your work has a lasting impact. By the end of
the programme, you will not only have gained invaluable experience
and skills, but you will also have contributed to lasting
improvements in policy, practice, and access to justice.
In
summary, this website is beneficial to aspiring lawyers and legal
professionals wishing to embark on a fulfilling career in social
welfare law. By joining this programme, you will gain invaluable
experience, develop specialised skills, and contribute to meaningful
change within communities.
