Fellowship & Programs
The Black Public Defender Association’s Fellowship Program is the nation’s premier pipeline for aspiring public defenders committed to dismantling mass incarceration and advancing racial justice.
Fellows receive specialized training from leading public defenders and are placed in host offices across the country for immersive, hands-on advocacy experience. In addition to rigorous professional development, fellows build lasting community with one another and with seasoned defenders nationwide—strengthening both their individual impact and the collective movement.
More than a fellowship, it is a movement-building initiative equipping the next generation of Black public defenders to provide zealous representation and lead transformative change in their communities.
Law School Fellowship
The BPDA Law School Fellowship Program provides training and support to Black law students passionate about serving their communities through public defense. A central goal of our Law School Engagement Committee is to ensure Black law students can access and thrive in a profession that empowers marginalized communities.
Community Engagement Fellowship
The BPDA Community Engagement Fellowship is an 8–10 week summer program connecting students passionate about community defense with public defender offices. Fellows play a vital role in fostering relationships between defender offices and the communities they serve, contributing to trust-building and meaningful outreach.
