Michael Tigar Human Rights and Global Justice Scholarship and Cohort

Applications for the 2026-27 Michael Tigar Human Rights and Global Justice Cohort will open in Summer 2026. 

To learn more about the Tigar Cohort, visit this webpage. 

All incoming Texas Law students—including LLM students—are eligible to apply to the Michael Tigar Human Rights and Global Justice Cohort. This opportunity is designed to connect new Texas Law students with the international human rights and global justice community at UT and around the world. If selected, students will receive a one-time scholarship and will join the Michael Tigar Human Rights and Global Justice Cohort. Cohort members receive curated mentorship designed to help them launch legal careers in human rights and global justice, and are connected to human rights practitioners, law school student mentors, visiting human rights scholars, and Rapoport Center faculty and staff. Selected students are expected to become graduate affiliates of the Rapoport Center and attend periodic Cohort lunches throughout the year.

The Rapoport Center 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 social justice, the strength of their personal statement, and their commitment to successfully leveraging the Tigar Cohort experience into human rights career opportunities in law school and after graduation. While prior professional experience in international human rights is welcome, the Cohort is not limited to those with prior international experience.

Former Cohort Member Testimonials

“Being part of the Global Justice Cohort allowed me to connect with fellow students and practitioners in the human rights world. This helped me to understand how diverse this world is and the many paths to launch a career in human rights. Thanks to this program I have a new perspective about the role of law in defending human rights.” – Herbert Girón, Member of the Global Justice Cohort (2023-2024)

“The Global Justice Cohort has provided me invaluable opportunities for learning and networking. Through this program, I've gained a deeper understanding of global justice issues, have learned from experts in the profession, and have been empowered to pursue my passion for social justice with confidence and purpose.” – Rooha Hagharmehdiabadi, Member of the Global Justice Cohort (2023-2024)

Application

To apply, please submit through our online portal:

  • a 1-page cover letter,
  • resume/C.V.,
  • final transcript from any 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. 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.

Contact

Cooper Christiancy (cchristiancy@law.utexas.edu)

All Opportunities