Where Women in Law Thrive Together.
Each year, Ms. JD selects 12 outstanding 3L leaders for a year of mentorship, leadership learning, and giving back. Through the Ms. JD Fellowship, law students gain a community of like-minded women and the opportunity to accelerate their career growth.
Applications for the Ms. JD fellowship program are now closed. To be the first to hear when applications for the 2026-2027 Fellowship class open, join the waitlist below.
A Year with Ms. JD.
The Ms. JD Fellowship includes a few key components:
MONTHLY LEADERSHIP LEARNING
Each month, Fellows gather on Zoom to learn from current lawyers and leadership experts. Topics include overcoming imposter syndrome, bar prep, building your network, and more. Sessions typically take place Wednesdays at 8pm ET.
MENTORSHIP
Each Fellow will be paired with an experienced woman attorney for a dedicated mentorship experience. Pairs meet at least three times over the course of the program to discuss career goals, current struggles, and advice for a legal career.
ATTEND THE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
Fellows will receive financial support to attend the Spring Law Student Leadership Academy. They will get the opportunity to meet one another in person, network with other law students and lawyers, and get to know Ms. JD leadership.
GIVE BACK TO THE PRE-LAW COMMUNITY
Each fellow will complete a submission for the Pre-Law Magazine, drawing on her own background and experiences navigating law school.
"BEING A PART OF THE MS. JD FELLOWSHIP COHORT WAS AN EXPERIENCE I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER. DURING 3L, I WORE MANY HATS BUT COULD ALWAYS LOOK FORWARD TO MS. JD FOR A GROUNDING OPPORTUNITY. IT WAS EASY TO GET OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE BECAUSE THE SPEAKERS AND OTHER FELLOWS WERE EXTREMELY OUTGOING. I LOOK FORWARD TO BEING A PART OF MS. JD ON THE OTHER SIDE, AS A PRACTICING ATTORNEY!"
-2025 Ms. JD Fellow
Meet the 2025-2026 Ms. JD Fellowship Cohort.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are Ms. JD Fellows selected?
The process of selecting Ms. JD Fellows is holistic. Fellows are selected based on academic performance, leadership, and dedication to advancing the status of women in the legal profession. The most successful applicants are those that are able to integrate their personal and professional experience to tell a compelling story of why they wish to be involved with Ms. JD.
I am not a second-year law school student ("2L" or rising 3L). Can I still apply to the Fellowship?
The Ms. JD Fellowship is only open to rising 3Ls. If you are a 1L, we strongly encourage you to apply next year. We also accept applications from part-time law students or law students who are part of a joint degree program on a case-by-case basis. If you are a part-time or joint-degree law student who is interested in the Fellowship, please email programsassistant@ms-jd.org to inquire about your eligibility.
What materials do I need to apply?
Before starting your application, please be sure to have the following files available: a copy of your resume, your unofficial law school transcript(s), and a cover letter that answers the following questions: Why would you like to participate in the Ms. JD Fellowship? How have you demonstrated leadership ability, both in and out of law school?
Can you add information to my application after I have submitted it?
No, we cannot alter or add information to your application once we have received it (the only exception is if your contact information changes). Please make sure your application is ready and complete before you submit it.
How are applicants selected?
Applications are read thoroughly by a committee. The committee members score applicants based on a rubric and then discuss the most promising applicants. Finalists will complete a virtual interview with Ms. JD staff.
I have another question that wasn't answered here.
Reach out to Claire Thomas at programsassistant@ms-jd.org with any other questions.
Determined to Rise. Equipped to Lead.
Ms. JD is a national organization that helps women in law find community and opportunity at every stage in their career, from aspiring attorneys to seasoned professionals.
Determined to Rise. Equipped to Lead.
Ms. JD is a national organization that helps women in law find community and opportunity at every stage in their career, from aspiring attorneys to seasoned professionals.