Affirmative Leaders Fellowship

Public Rights Project’s Affirmative Leaders Fellowship equips state, local, and tribal government attorneys with skills to expand civil rights protections and advance justice.

Large group of fellows in tshirts that read 'Seeking Justice'

Applications for the 2026 cohort are now closed.

Committed to using government power for good

About the fellowship

Public Rights Project’s Affirmative Leaders Fellowship is for mid-career government attorneys interested in initiating, expanding, or deepening the impact of their offices’ affirmative litigation. Participants will leave with a stronger understanding of how to take on systemic injustices, a sharper courtroom impact, and ideas for driving real change in their communities.

Building an affirmative litigation practice

Through this low-cost fellowship, attorneys will strengthen and apply skills in affirmative litigation, equitable enforcement, and public leadership. Participants will learn to craft policies and litigation approaches that protect historically underserved communities and promote lasting equity by integrating racial and economic justice strategies into their enforcement work.
Expanding professional development

The fellowship provides professional tools that will help participants become better leaders and project managers, support their well-being, and empower them to envision the next stage of their careers. The fellowship aims to open doors for government attorneys — helping them become leaders in shaping policy, leading high-impact cases, or becoming national voices for justice.
Becoming part of an unparalleled national network

The fellowship offers an unparalleled opportunity to network with like-minded lawyers and build community and coalitions in uncertain and challenging times. It is designed to foster deep connections, help attorneys collaborate on cases, and provide a lifelong peer support system that strengthens their work.
Opposing unlawful federal actions

Under this federal administration, we have witnessed increasing federal abuse of power and overreach, impacting the ability of local governments to govern in the best interests of their communities. The Affirmative Leaders Fellowship includes training on litigation against federal actions, from unlawful grant conditions to attempts to control local policies on diversity, equity, and inclusion and immigration. It provides the tools, strategies, and networks needed to meet these challenges head-on.

Fellows in action

What past fellows say

“Since being part of the Affirmative Leaders Fellowship, I’ve been taking a more careful and strategic approach to my cases. It helped me think about when cases need to go straight to litigation, and when a demand letter to try to fix a situation out of court might be a more appropriate start.

I also have a better sense of how to engage stakeholders, including the neighbors, community members, regulators, and others who still need to be informed and involved even if they aren’t officially part of the case.

What’s more, I loved having access to wellbeing coaching through the program, and have been implementing better energy and time management in my day-to-day work.”

Alex Keiser, 2025 Affirmative Leaders Fellow

Assistant County Attorney, Harris County Attorney Environmental Division

Affirmative Leaders Fellowship

Applications for the 2026 cohort are now closed.

About the fellowship

Building an affirmative litigation practice

Expanding professional development

Becoming part of an unparalleled national network

Opposing unlawful federal actions

Fellows in action

Fighting for federal disaster funding in Chicago

Q&A with Affirmative Leaders Fellow Devon King, deputy city attorney in Albuquerque’s city attorney’s office

Q&A with Affirmative Leaders Fellow Zenia Wilson Laws, Special Counsel for Nuisance Abatement at the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia

What past fellows say

Alex Keiser, 2025 Affirmative Leaders Fellow