Lifting the Voices of Women in Law.

Ms. JD is committed to amplifying the voices, faces, and concerns of women in the legal profession. Each year, we select a class of Writers in Residence from all stages of a legal career to write monthly blog posts drawing from their own experiences and expertise. From managing your mental health to navigating networking, and everything in between, our writers provide the thought-provoking, honest, and encouraging content you need.

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Applications for the 2025–2026 Writers in Residence program are now closed. To be the first to hear when our next applications open, join the waitlist below.

JOIN THE WAITLIST

Meet Our 2025-2026 Writers in Residence.

SU ARAY

Law Student
Cardozo School of Law

BELLINA BARROW

Principal Attorney
Tenoreque Legal

SHEA HOLMAN

Assistant Professor of Legal Studies
George Mason University

MELANIE HOUK

Deputy General Counsel
Lennar Corporation

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Frequently Asked Questions.

Is there an application fee?

There is no application fee. 

Am I eligible to apply?

Yes, all are eligible to apply for the Writers in Residence program. Law students, practicing attorneys, legal professionals, and any individuals interested in the legal profession are welcome to apply.

What do I need to apply for the Writers in Residence program?

In addition to basic biographical information, our application form will ask for a PDF copy of your resume, a writing sample of no more than 2 pages, and a list of sample topics you want to write about.

Can you help me choose which of my works to submit?

We encourage you to submit whatever writing sample you feel best represents your work as a writer and the work you want to produce for Ms. JD. If possible, include a work that is more conversational in tone as opposed to strictly academic writing. See our current blog for examples.

When will I hear about my application?

All applicants will be notified about our decision no later than June 28th.

Do I need to send letters of recommendation or transcripts to Ms. JD?

No. Please do not have letters of recommendation or transcripts sent. All the information required will be asked for in the application form.

Can you add some information to my application after I have submitted it?

No, we cannot alter or add information to your application form.

How are applicants selected?

Applications are read thoroughly by a committee.  The committee members then score applicants based on a rubric and then discuss the most promising applicants. The quality of the candidate’s past writing, their potential for growth, and their ability to contribute to our community are all taken into account.

I have another question that wasn't answered here.

Reach out to us at programsassistant@ms-jd.org with any other questions.

Past Writers in Residence.

2025

Kristina Bilowus is an Assistant Director of Career Development at MSU College of Law. Previously, she worked in private practice as a family law and criminal defense attorney in the metro Detroit area. She also served as an adjunct professor at WMU Cooley Law School.

KRISTINA BILOWUS

Assistant Director of Career Development
Michigan State University College of Law

CORI BRATBY-RUDD

Law Student

Southwestern Law

GABRIELA BRUNNER

Pre-Law Advising Services

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

SARA SANTOYO

Lawyer & Certified Life Coach

Sara Santoyo Coaching