Justice Fellowship for Outstanding Legal Professionals in New Zealand

Outstanding legal professionals are invited to design their own inquiry or project plan (if your project plan includes being hosted at an organisation, please include those details). Proposals should build on the fellow’s expertise and allow them to pursue new directions. The cost of the proposal should match the fellowship needs.

Funding Information

• Pool of funding available: $120,000
• The pool of funding may be awarded to one fellow or may be split between two separate individual Fellowships.

How it works

• It is envisaged that the Fellowship will involve a full-time commitment for a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 12 months, which can be spread over a longer period (e.g. two 3 month periods spent on the Fellowship over a 2 year period).
• The Fellowship should enable the Fellow to test a hunch, pursue an inquiry, pioneer solutions to legal issues, and leverage their knowledge and contacts. It could involve spearheading a new and innovative project.
• The foundation is looking for individuals who can demonstrate a passion for justice, along with the highest level of skills and aptitude and the potential to drive innovation.
• Fellows should present plans that they would not otherwise be able to pursue in the course of their day-to-day work, if not for the Justice Fellowship.

What the award can be used for

Possible use of the funds might include salary replacement, or salary if being placed at a host-organisation, domestic or international travel, attending conferences, hiring research assistants or consultants, or a writing retreat.

Eligibility Criteria

• You must have at least 10 years’ experience in the law at the time of applying.
• You must be passionate about using the law to deliver social justice and have a lifelong commitment to justice and service.
• Preference will be given to Fellows who are working to ensure access to justice for underserved communities in New Zealand, or working in an under-resourced area of law, or working in the Foundation’s strategic focus areas of criminal justice, family law or access to civil justice.
• There is no upper age limit. Anyone who expects to be working in the law for another 10 years or more is welcome to apply.

Exclusions

The fellowship cannot be used for:

• A general ‘in-house legal position’ at a host organisation.
• General legal practice or providing services.
• Enrolment for degree or non-degree study at academic institutions, including dissertation research.
• Projects that are concerned mainly with issues outside New Zealand.

For more information, visit Borrin Foundation.