Summer 2027 Reproductive Justice Legal Fellowship

The Sissy Farenthold Reproductive Justice Defense Project, housed at the Rapoport Center for Human Rights and Justice at the University of Texas School of Law in Austin, Texas, is seeking one rising 2L or 3L law student from any U.S. law school to serve as a full-time Reproductive Justice Legal Fellow during the summer of 2027. The Project is guided by the principles of the Reproductive Justice movement and its foundational ideas about pregnancy, maternal health, childbirth, and parenting. The Project provides resources for lawyers, health care providers, advocacy organizations, and the public; tracks prosecutions and civil suits in Texas related to pregnancy and abortion; and serves as a hub for academic research and advocacy related specifically to Texas but also for interstate issues.  

The Summer Reproductive Justice Legal Fellow will work under the direction of faculty lead Prof. Rachel Rebouché, project director Blake Rocap, and post-graduate fellow Mackenzie Darling, and alongside Rapoport Center faculty and staff, as well as undergraduate and graduate student interns and fellows. This fellowship is designed for a law student seeking research and analysis experience with practical application in the fields of reproductive rights, health law, criminal law, among other legal disciplines. It is also an excellent opportunity for a student interested in pursuing a career at an academic research center or legal non-profit organization. A demonstrated commitment to social justice and reproductive health, rights, and justice is highly preferred. 

The Summer Reproductive Justice Legal Fellow’s responsibilities will generally include:  

• performing legal research and writing on reproductive justice issues in Texas; 

• supporting collaboration with Texas-based lawyers and advocates as well as local, national, and international partners; 

• assisting in the preparation and coordination of training materials, legal resource pamphlets, presentations, and other support for attorneys, healthcare providers, and the public in Texas and across the United States;  

• facilitating interdisciplinary relationships and communication across the UT campus relating to issues at the intersection of reproductive justice and criminal law;  

• tracking criminal and civil cases in Texas related to abortion and other pregnancy outcomes, including retrieving and cataloging legal documents from Texas court systems; 

• attend weekly team meetings and other events hosted by the Rapoport Center and the Reproductive Justice Defense Project. 

Commitment 

The Summer Reproductive Justice Legal Fellow will be expected to work in-person for ten weeks in Austin, Texas, with flexible start and end dates between May and August 2027. Some remote work over the course of the fellowship is possible.  

Funding 

The Sissy Farenthold Reproductive Justice Defense Project will work with the successful candidate to secure funding from their law school or another source or, if preferred, ensure academic credit for their work. A stipend will be available for anyone unable to secure their own funding. 

Application Directions 

Priority consideration will be given to students that apply by December 1, 2026, at 11:59 pm CST. To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, law school transcript (unofficial is fine), and 5-10 page writing sample through the application portal. In addition, three references who can speak to your professional or academic background, including at least one from your current institution, must complete a short online reference form by December 15, 2026.  

Application Contact 

For any questions, please contact Maia Borchardt at maia.borchardt@law.utexas.edu.