G. Rollie White Trust Fellowship in Public Interest Law

Spring 2026 Application Information

In Spring 2026, the G. Rollie White Trust Fellowship will support a one-year (12-month, full-time) post-graduate fellowship. This opportunity allows a recent graduate to work with an existing public interest legal organization to provide legal services to underrepresented individuals or groups.

Fellowship Funding & Salary
The fellowship provides a stipend of up to $75,000 to support the fellow’s salary. The salary should be agreed upon by the host organization and the fellow and be comparable to that of a similarly qualified attorney at the organization. If the standard salary for a comparable position exceeds $75,000, the host organization is encouraged to pay the difference.

Host Organization Requirements
The host organization must be a nonprofit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The organization must provide appropriate training and supervision by a licensed attorney and sign a formal agreement, along with the fellow, outlining its fellowship obligations. Additionally, the organization is expected to offer employee benefits typically provided to new hires.

Application Process
Before applying, candidates must identify a potential host organization and collaborate with them to develop a description of the proposed work, training, and supervision. The proposed work should be an identified project, either a new initiative or an ongoing project of the organization. The host must commit to supporting the project and providing appropriate guidance throughout the fellowship. Students with questions about potential host organizations or project ideas are encouraged to contact Nicole Simmons in the Justice Center or Mary Murphy in the Career Services Office.

Eligibility
The fellowship is open only to Texas Law alumni. Applicants must be third-year students or recent graduates who will complete a judicial clerkship by Fall 2026. A faculty committee will select the fellow based on the strength of the proposed project, the applicant’s commitment to public service, and the demonstrated ability of the applicant and host organization to achieve the project’s goals.

Preferences
Preference will be given to projects with the potential to make a significant impact.
In-person work is preferred. Applicants who plan to work remotely, or whose supervisor will work remotely, must include a detailed explanation of the remote supervisory arrangement in their application.