CFJ Fellowship 2027 for Early-Career Women Lawyers

The Clooney Foundation for Justice (CFJ) is recruiting its 2027 class of fellows. The programme places 10 early-career women lawyers with host organisations in Kenya, Malawi, South Africa and The Gambia, each for 12 months.

Who can apply

The fellowship is for women lawyers at an early stage of their careers. You need the right to work in one of the four host countries: Kenya, Malawi, South Africa or The Gambia. Fluent English is required, and other working languages used in the host countries are an advantage. The placement is in person, not remote.

What it offers

This is a paid placement, not a scholarship. Your host organisation pays you the local-currency equivalent of a competitive gross annual salary for the year. The 2027 class has 10 places, so expect strong competition.

Deadline

Applications opened on 8 September 2026 and close on 20 October 2026 at 12:00 South Africa time (SAST). Submit early rather than in the final hour.

Before you apply

Confirm that you can legally work in the country of the host organisation you are aiming for before you start the form. Use the official CFJ page to check the host organisations and the application questions, and prepare your answers in English.