For young African women lawyers, gaining meaningful courtroom experience, contributing to strategic litigation and building a career in human rights law can be difficult without access to strong professional networks and practical opportunities.
The CFJ Fellowship Programme 2027, formerly known as the Waging Justice for Women Fellowship, offers an opportunity for early-career women lawyers to gain hands-on experience while supporting legal and advocacy work that advances the rights of women and children.
The one-year fellowship will place selected fellows with host organisations in Kenya, Malawi, South Africa and The Gambia. Fellows will receive a paid placement, professional mentorship, legal training and opportunities to participate in strategic litigation and community outreach.
Applications are open until October 20, 2026.
CFJ Fellowship 2027 at a Glance
| Opportunity | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | CFJ Fellowship Programme 2027 |
| Former name | Waging Justice for Women Fellowship |
| Host countries | Kenya, Malawi, South Africa and The Gambia |
| Duration | January–December 2027 |
| Format | Full-time, in-person placement |
| Target group | Early-career African women lawyers |
| Funding | Paid fellowship placement |
| Application deadline | October 20, 2026 |
| Application fee | None |
| Official application page | CFJ Fellowship Programme |
About the CFJ Fellowship Programme
The CFJ Fellowship Programme is organised by the Clooney Foundation for Justice through its legal advocacy work.
Beginning in August 2026, the programme adopted the name CFJ Fellowship Programme. The name change does not alter the recruitment process, eligibility requirements or general structure of the fellowship.
The programme supports early-career women lawyers who are interested in advancing justice for women and children. Fellows work directly with host organisations and contribute to legal research, litigation, legal assistance, advocacy and other justice-related activities.
During the fellowship, participants are expected to develop their legal skills while supporting cases and initiatives that address rights violations and barriers to justice.
What the Fellowship Offers
Successful applicants will receive access to several professional and practical benefits, including:
1. Paid legal placement
Fellows will complete a full-time, in-person placement from January to December 2027.
The host organisation will provide the equivalent of a competitive gross annual salary in the local currency. The exact amount may vary depending on the host country and organisation.
2. Practical legal experience
Fellows may participate in:
- Legal research and analysis
- Drafting legal documents
- Direct legal assistance
- Legal representation
- Strategic litigation
- Advocacy and policy work
- Community outreach
- Research connected to women’s and children’s rights
3. Strategic litigation exposure
Each fellow is expected to contribute to at least one major strategic litigation case with the Clooney Foundation for Justice.
This provides an opportunity to understand how legal action can be used to address wider structural problems and influence institutional change.
4. Mentorship and professional development
Fellows will receive professional mentorship and participate in monthly online training sessions.
The programme also includes an in-person convening where fellows can learn from legal practitioners, exchange experiences and strengthen their professional networks.
5. Global and alumni networks
Participants will gain access to the foundation’s global network and an alumni community of former fellows. These networks may support future collaboration, career development and continued involvement in justice-related work.
6. Student outreach
Fellows are expected to participate in at least two outreach activities for students during the fellowship. These activities may involve sharing legal knowledge, discussing career pathways or encouraging interest in human rights law.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the CFJ Fellowship Programme 2027, applicants should meet the following requirements.
Applicants must be African women lawyers
The fellowship is designed for early-career African women lawyers who are committed to advancing the rights of women and children.
Applicants must hold a law degree
Candidates must have completed a recognised law degree and meet the professional requirements applicable in their intended host country.
Applicants must be admitted to practise
Applicants must be admitted to practise law in the country where they intend to undertake the fellowship.
Applicants must have less than five years of professional experience
Candidates should have fewer than five years of professional experience after admission to practise law.
This makes the fellowship particularly suitable for lawyers who are still building their professional experience and seeking deeper exposure to human rights litigation and advocacy.
Applicants must have the right to work in the host country
Applicants must already have the legal right to work in their selected host country.
The programme does not support relocation or work-authorisation costs. Candidates should therefore confirm that they can legally live and work in the country connected to their application.
Applicants must demonstrate strong legal and communication skills
Successful candidates should be able to demonstrate:
- Strong legal analysis
- Legal research skills
- Clear legal writing
- Effective communication
- Teamwork
- Professional judgement
- Commitment to women’s and children’s rights
- Interest in strategic litigation and advocacy
English is required. Knowledge of other working languages may be useful depending on the host organisation and country.
Host Countries
The 2027 fellowship will be hosted in four African countries:
- Kenya
- Malawi
- South Africa
- The Gambia
Applicants should carefully review the professional admission and work-authorisation requirements connected to their preferred host country before applying.
Who Should Apply?
The fellowship may be a strong fit for lawyers who:
- Are in the early stages of their legal careers
- Want to work in human rights or public-interest law
- Have an interest in women’s and children’s rights
- Want practical experience in strategic litigation
- Are interested in legal advocacy and community outreach
- Can commit to a full-time, in-person placement
- Are willing to work collaboratively with host organisations
- Want to develop a long-term career in justice and equality
Applicants do not need to be senior lawyers. However, they should be able to demonstrate a clear interest in the programme’s mission and the legal issues it addresses.
Application Process
Interested candidates should prepare their application through the official Clooney Foundation for Justice fellowship page.
Before submitting an application, applicants should:
- Confirm that they meet the eligibility requirements.
- Review the available host countries and placement expectations.
- Prepare an updated legal CV.
- Highlight relevant legal, research, advocacy or volunteer experience.
- Explain their interest in women’s and children’s rights.
- Demonstrate their legal writing and analytical abilities.
- Confirm their ability to work in the selected host country.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
The application deadline is October 20, 2026.
Applicants should not wait until the final day to apply, particularly if they need to obtain professional references, proof of admission or other supporting documents.
Tips for Preparing a Strong Application
Show a clear commitment to justice
Avoid submitting a generic application. Explain why women’s and children’s rights matter to you and how your legal experience connects with the fellowship’s objectives.
Highlight practical legal experience
Include examples of legal research, drafting, litigation support, client assistance, advocacy, internships, pro bono work or community legal education.
Experience does not have to come exclusively from paid employment. Relevant volunteer and public-interest work may also strengthen your application.
Demonstrate writing ability
Legal writing is central to the fellowship. Your application should be clear, structured and precise.
Avoid unnecessary jargon and ensure that every section directly responds to the question being asked.
Explain your long-term goals
Show how the fellowship fits into your professional plans. Strong applications should demonstrate that the opportunity is part of a meaningful career direction rather than simply a way to obtain short-term employment.
Confirm work eligibility early
Because relocation and work-authorisation costs are not supported, applicants should confirm their eligibility to work in the intended host country before investing significant time in the application.
Prepare for a full-time commitment
The fellowship runs for one year and requires in-person participation. Applicants should consider their availability, professional obligations and ability to remain in the host country throughout the placement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CFJ Fellowship Programme?
The CFJ Fellowship Programme is a one-year paid legal fellowship for early-career African women lawyers. It was previously known as the Waging Justice for Women Fellowship.
When will the 2027 fellowship take place?
The fellowship is scheduled to run from January to December 2027.
Which countries will host fellows?
The host countries are Kenya, Malawi, South Africa and The Gambia.
Is the fellowship paid?
Yes. Host organisations provide the equivalent of a competitive gross annual salary in local currency.
How many fellows will be selected?
The programme plans to select 10 early-career women lawyers.
Can lawyers with more than five years of experience apply?
The stated eligibility requirement is fewer than five years of professional experience after admission to practise law.
Do applicants need to be admitted to practise law?
Yes. Applicants must be admitted to practise in the host country connected to their application.
Does the programme cover relocation expenses?
No. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that they have the right to work in the host country. Relocation and work-authorisation costs are not supported.
Is there an application fee?
No. The fellowship application is free.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is October 20, 2026.
Conclusion
The CFJ Fellowship Programme 2027 offers early-career African women lawyers an opportunity to combine paid professional experience with meaningful legal and advocacy work.
With placements in Kenya, Malawi, South Africa and The Gambia, the programme is especially relevant to lawyers interested in strategic litigation, women’s rights, children’s rights and public-interest law.
Applicants should review the eligibility requirements carefully, prepare a focused application and confirm their right to work in the selected host country before applying.
