Michael Tigar Human Rights and Global Justice Scholarship and Cohort

Applications for the 2026–27 Michael Tigar Human Rights and Global Justice Cohort are now being accepted. Apply by July 24, 2026.

Attention incoming Texas Law students hoping to launch your careers in human rights and global justice!

All first-year J.D. and LL.M. students at Texas Law are eligible to apply to the Michael Tigar Human Rights and Global Justice Cohort. This opportunity, organized by the Rapoport Center for Human Rights and Justice, connects new Texas Law students with the international human rights and global justice community at UT and around the world. The program is made possible through the generosity of Professor Michael Tigar and his friends, family, and colleagues. Visit this page to learn more about the Cohort.

Members of the Cohort receive a $2500 scholarship, an alumni mentor, dedicated career guidance from Rapoport Center staff and Texas Law faculty, and opportunities to meet with visiting human rights practitioners, lawyers, and scholars. Past Cohorts have met with many accomplished professionals, including a judge on the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, the former UN Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, the Executive Director of Amnesty International Kenya, and legendary human rights litigator Michael Tigar (the Cohort’s namesake). The Rapoport Center helps Cohort students to identify summer and post-graduate opportunities in human rights. Now in its fourth year, the Cohort is a bridge to the human rights student, alumni, and faculty community at Texas Law.

The Rapoport Center for Human Rights and Justice is a focal point for critical, interdisciplinary analysis and practice of human rights and social justice. The Center serves as a hub for international human rights and social justice research, advocacy, and professional advancement. Since the Center was inaugurated in 2005, it has helped hundreds of UT students launch their professional careers in human rights law, research, and advocacy.

Selection will be based on applicants’ demonstrated interest in human rights and global justice, the strength of their personal statement, and their commitment to pursuing human rights and global justice work during law school and following graduation. While prior professional experience in international human rights is welcome, the Cohort is not limited to those with prior international experience.

*** Note: All Texas Law students can access career support from the Rapoport Center, and Rapoport Center programs and events are open to all UT students. Those students who are not selected for the Cohort are still encouraged to reach out to Cooper Christiancy via email (cchristiancy@law.utexas.edu), or schedule a time to meet during his office hours using this link to access resources offered by the Rapoport Center. ***

Read these testimonials of Cohort members.

Application

To apply, please submit through our online portal:

• a 1-page cover letter,
• resume/C.V.,
• final transcript (unofficial is fine) including all undergraduate, and if applicable, graduate coursework,
• and a personal statement of 1000 words or less. The personal statement should:
  • Describe your interest or passion in human rights or global justice;
  • Share how you plan to incorporate human rights and global justice into your law school studies; and
  • Identify your goals for your post-law school career.
• In addition, two references who can speak to your professional or academic background must complete our short online reference form by July 24, 2026. Applications without references submitted by this deadline will be considered partially incomplete.

Interested in applying but want to learn more? Reach out to Cooper Christiancy via email (cchristiancy@law.utexas.edu), or schedule a time to meet during his office hours using this link.