The Clooney Foundation Waging Justice For Women Fellowship 2027 For Early-Career Women Lawyers In Sub-Saharan Africa

September 18, 2026

The Clooney Foundation Waging Justice for Women Fellowship 2027

Brief Description

Applications are officially open for the 2027 Clooney Foundation Waging Justice for Women Fellowship, a prestigious initiative designed to fund and place ten early-career women lawyers across Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, and The Gambia. Hosted by the Clooney Foundation for Justice (CFJ), this fellowship equips you with immersive practical work experience and hands-on training in diverse human rights and justice organizations. Whether you are aiming to combat child marriage or fight violence against women and children, this program offers a powerful platform to advance your legal career. If you meet the criteria, you can step into a paid placement providing vital legal aid, strategic litigation, and community advocacy.

Name of Host Institution

The Clooney Foundation for Justice (CFJ) in partnership with human rights organizations, university legal aid clinics, and government legal institutions in Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, and The Gambia.

Requirements/Eligibility Criteria

A law degree from a recognized academic institution
Practicing Certificate: Admitted to practice as a lawyer in the country of the selected host organization
Relevant work experience: Up to 5 years of experience in the legal field following graduation or qualification, with a preference for women’s rights and human rights organizations
Work authorization: Must have the legal right to work in the host organization’s country (Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, or The Gambia); international relocation and work authorization costs are not supported
Fluency in English required; proficiency in other working languages relevant to host countries is preferred

Key Responsibilities

Carrying out legal research, drafting documents, and providing client support
Providing legal representation in court and executing strategic litigation
Using innovative technology to inform women of their rights and increase efficiency for prosecutors and pro bono lawyers

Location

Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, and The Gambia

Salary

Not specified (Paid work placement)

Duration

One fellowship year

Benefits

Mentorship from the Justice for Women & Children Programme Director, host organization supervisors, and regional human rights experts
At least one in-person convening with fellow participants, supervisors, and senior CFJ leadership
Extensive monthly online training led by human rights experts
Access to a global network of leading human rights experts, lawyers, judges, activists, academics, and next-generation leaders
Enrollment in the CFJ Fellowship Alumni Programme network upon completion of the fellowship year

Deadline

October 20, 2026

Apply Now

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Q: What types of host organizations participate in the fellowship?

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Host organizations include legal aid providers, select universities with legal aid clinics, and government prosecution services in Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, and The Gambia.