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 2026-27

Law and Justice Scholars Program 2026-27

Applications for the Law and Justice Scholars Program will be solicited in the spring semester. Up to twelve scholars participate in the program each year.

The elements of the program:

• Law and Justice Scholars will take the one module LAWS 400: Legal Advocacy course (HC) taught by a member of the legal profession. 
• All Law and Justice Scholars will attend the Constitution Day Lecture.  Scholars will also be invited to an event honoring the speaker and, if scheduling permits, will meet informally with the speaker.  (This element depends on whether or not the college has a Constitution Day Lecture this fall.)
• Law and Justice Scholars will be required to attend two additional campus talks during the fall semester and submit a one-page essay for each talk, discussing its relationship to law and social justice. (If public campus talks are not held this fall, then alternative arrangements will be announced.)

• Law and Justice Scholars will complete a law and justice-related Winter Term project sponsored by a Law and Society Curricular Committee member.  [Internships and shadowing experiences will be encouraged as projects but not required.]

  2027 Winter Term Career Trek

The Law & Society Curricular Committee approved a pilot two-day Winter Term Career Trek to Cleveland and Columbus.  This optional—but highly recommended—experience allows students to explore careers in law, policy, and public service beyond the classroom.  During the trek, students will meet with legal professionals, visit legislative and judicial institutions, and gain firsthand insight into how law, policy, and governance intersect in real-world settings.  This immersive experience is designed to broaden students’ perspectives, strengthen career exploration, and inspire meaningful engagement with law and social justice.  The career trek will take place during the last week of Winter Term. 

• During the spring semester, current Law and Justice Scholars will be invited to attend a presentation welcoming incoming Law and Justice Scholars.  They might also be asked to participate in events related to the following recruitment process for the Law and Justice Scholars class.
• The L&JS program is excited to launch the Perspectives on Advocacy in Law and Social Justice Speaker Series.  Scholars are expected to attend the talks, as well as the reception and lunch with our guest speakers.  This is a valuable opportunity to connect with leaders in the field and explore real-world pathways in law and social justice.

The 2026-2027 Law & Justice Scholars Program Application is open!

• Applications will be solicited in the spring semester
• Please submit your completed application via email to ljsp@oberlin.edu.
• Applications are due by March 6, 2026, by 11:59 pm 
• Up to twelve scholars will be selected for the program each year