The Law and Justice Scholars Program

The Law and Justice Scholars Program, originally the Law Scholars Program, saw its first class of scholars admitted for the fall semester of 2007. The initial impetus was to help students prepare for law school through a combination of taking Legal Advocacy, a course solely for Law Scholars that a member of the legal profession taught, and completing a law-related internship.

In the fall of 2020, the Law Scholars Program was reconfigured as the Law and Justice Scholars Program. This name change reflects the importance of understanding practical aspects of the law for students interested in careers focused on social justice policy and law. The Law and Justice Scholars Program welcomed its first cohort in the fall semester of 2020. Scholars continue to take Legal Advocacy, the program's linchpin, and complete the program elements listed below. The college’s rich array of resources, not only in academic programs but also in career exploration and development, as well as fellowships and awards, are combined to support and prepare students interested in careers in law and social justice advocacy.

The Law and Justice Scholars program is administered under the direction of the Law and Society Curricular Committee. It serves students interested in pursuing careers in public interest law and social justice advocacy and students exploring law-related careers more generally.

Program Description 2025-26

Law and Justice Scholars Program 2025-26

Program Requirements:

Application Process:

• Applications will be solicited in the spring semester
• Applications for the Law and Justice Scholars Program are available by emailing the Law and Justice Program at ljsp@oberlin.edu 
• Applications are due by March 7, 2025, by 11:59 pm 
• Up to twelve scholars will be selected for the program each year

Course Requirement:

• Scholars must complete LAWS 400: Legal Advocacy (HC), a one-module course taught by a member of the legal profession.

Constitution Day Lecture:

• Scholars must attend the annual Constitution Day Lecture.
• If scheduling permits, scholars will be invited to an event honoring the speaker and may have an opportunity to meet with them informally.  This requirement is contingent on whether the college hosts a Constitution Day Lecture this fall.

Campus Talks & Reflection Essays:

• Scholars must attend two additional campus talks during the fall semester
• Scholars must submit a one-page essay on each talk, connecting it to the themes of law and social justice. (If public campus talks are not held, alternative arrangements will be provided.)
• Scholars must complete a law and justice-related Winter Term project, sponsored by a Law and Society Curricular Committee member.

Scholars may choose from the following co-curricular experiences (encouraged but not required):

• Career trek to Cleveland, Columbus, and Washington, DC
• Micro-internship or shadowing experience

Spring Semester Engagement:

• Current Law and Justice Scholars will be invited to participate in a presentation welcoming incoming scholars.
• Scholars may also be asked to participate in additional program events and initiatives.