Training the Next Generation of
Movement Lawyers
A fully funded, five-week civil rights fellowship in Dallas, TX, culminating at the National Bar Association Convention in Nashville.
Why This Matters Now
In January 2026, the death of Renee Nicole Good a legal observer and mother of three—at the hands of ICE agents in Minneapolis reminded us that the fight for civil rights is far from over. Her tragedy sits in the same pattern of state violence as Ahmaud Arbery, Botham Jean, and Atatiana Jefferson.
Families fighting these battles need more than just lawyers; they need advocates who understand the intersection of federal civil rights law and grassroots movement work. The Merritt Civil Rights Summer Fellowship exists to find and train these advocates.
The Experience
- Intensive Training: 5 weeks of paid on-the-ground training at the Merritt Law Firm in Dallas, TX (June 15 – July 18). Learn federal litigation, media strategy, and movement advocacy.
- National Platform: A fully supported delegation to the National Bar Association Convention in Nashville (July 25 – July 31). Connect with the nation’s top civil rights attorneys.
- Mentorship: Direct access to S. Lee Merritt and a network of seasoned civil rights leaders.
- Real Impact: Work on active cases that matter. No coffee runs—just civil rights work.
Leadership
“We are not just teaching law; we are teaching survival and advocacy. This generation needs tools to fight battles we haven’t even seen yet.” — S. Lee Merritt
S. Lee Merritt is a civil rights attorney dedicated to fighting for victims of police brutality, hate crimes, and corporate negligence.
Who We Are Looking For
We are selecting 8 emerging advocates who possess the talent, commitment, and lived experience to become movement lawyers.
- Current law students (1L or 2L) or recent graduates committed to public interest law.
- Must demonstrate a history of advocacy or community organizing.
- Available for the full duration of the program.
Note on Financials: This is a paid fellowship. Housing and travel for the Nashville convention are fully covered. We believe economic status should never bar a future leader from this work.
Help Us Build This Pipeline
Many of our most talented future civil rights lawyers cannot afford to take unpaid public interest roles. Your support bridges that gap.
Note: The Merritt Law Firm is a private practice. Contributions to this fellowship fund are not tax-deductible charitable donations but are direct investments in the training and mentorship of the next generation of attorneys.
