With a commitment to building the next generation of human rights advocates, the Masiyiwa-Bernstein Fellowship provides two exceptional ÈâÂþÎÝ Law graduates with an opportunity to spend one year working with an innovative human rights organization. The fellows are placed in partner organizations that engage in: (1) legal empowerment / community-driven justice; (2) protecting the rule of law and defend dissent; and/or (3) ÈâÂþÎÝ institutes and centers that promote human rights.
Fellows are paid a competitive salary of $60,000 with benefits. The Bernstein Institute supports fellows throughout the year with fellow-centered events, mentoring and consultations with staff, and inclusion in a supportive community of human rights advocates.
2025-2026 placements are at and .
Visit our How To Apply page to learn more about the about the organizations and the application process. The application deadline has been extended through March 28, 2025. LLM and JD applicants are being considered
Our 2024-2025 fellows are working with and . Learn more about Masiyiwa-Bernstein Fellowship host organizations.
2024-2025 Fellows:
Mara Blumenstein
"I am now in the second half of my year-long Masiyiwa-Bernstein Fellowship at . I have learned so much in a relatively short period of time, partly due to Beyond’s unique, community-centered model.Beyond’s approach means I have had to learn many areas of the law. I have worked on several evictions, a divorce matter, criminal records relief cases, and a student discipline-related issue. I also spend a lot of time on immigration cases, including asylum applications, u visas, N-400 petitions for naturalization, and a motion to reopen. This diversity in my caseload has required creativity and patience. The team at Beyond is very collaborative, and I am never afraid to ask questions or use our group supervision meetings for brainstorming." Read more.
Shirin Asgari
"Through the Masiyiwa-Bernstein Fellowship program, I have had the privilege of working at the . TrialWatch monitors trials worldwide to expose injustices and promote fair trials. It focuses on cases where human rights are at risk, particularly in matters of free speech affecting journalists, activists, and marginalized communities, as well as issues related to women’s rights. TrialWatch engages in legal advocacy by publishing fairness reports, challenging unjust convictions, and working with international bodies to push for legal reforms. It also collaborates with grassroots organizations to support local efforts in defending human rights, training trial monitors, and amplifying the voices of those affected by unfair legal systems. Through these efforts, the initiative aims to hold governments accountable and protect individuals from unfair prosecutions." Read more.
Reflections from Former Masiyiwa-Bernstein Fellows
