WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law (Lawyers’ Committee) is pleased to announce the launch of the Jerry Shestack Justice Fellowship, which will foster the development of young lawyers who have demonstrated the potential to carry on Shestack’s lifelong commitment to civil rights while supporting the Lawyers’ Committee’s high impact litigation.
Jerry Shestack was an extraordinary lawyer and a driving force in advancing the cause of equal justice for all. Throughout his long and storied career he fought tirelessly to protect civil and human rights, and among his many contributions and accomplishments was his pivotal role in the founding of the Lawyers’ Committee in 1963. He remained deeply engaged in the work of the Lawyers’ Committee until the time of his death and the Lawyers’ Committee is profoundly grateful to continue his decades of contributions and service is such a meaningful way.
Shestack’s life was marked by his commitment to the mentoring and development of young attorneys as social justice activists. He believed passionately that lawyers should embrace pro bono service in defense of civil and human rights as both a responsibility and life enhancing experience. To honor his legacy, the Lawyers’ Committee and Shestack’s family and friends created a fellowship that will serve as a vehicle for mentoring future leaders in the higher calling of the law.
“We are honored for the opportunity to share Jerry’s incredible legacy by fostering the next generation of social justice activists through the fellowship,” said Lawyers’ Committee President & Executive Director Barbara Arnwine. “This extraordinary opportunity will allow young lawyers to advance the torch of Jerry’s remarkable legacy, while developing their own skills and experiences.”
“Civil rights was one of Jerry’s great passions,” said widow Marciarose Shestack, a trailblazing journalist. “I am thrilled to have the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law perpetuate his remarkable legacy, with the Jerry Shestack Justice Fellowship.”
The Shestack Fellow will be engaged in civil rights litigation of national significance, working alongside leaders of the civil rights bar in the Lawyers’ Committee and in private practice for two years. The fellow will be selected on a bi-annual basis by the Lawyers’ Committee in consultation with the Shestack Justice Advisory Committee.
“We are looking forward to a new cadre of lawyers, who, after this unique fellowship experience, will return to law firm practice to carry out the legacy of Jerome H. Shestack,” added Ms. Arnwine.
The Lawyers’ Committee is actively recruiting for the 2015 fellowship in Fall 2015. Applicants must have two to three years of outstanding litigation and/or judicial clerkship experience.
**UPDATE** The deadline to apply is March 31, 2015. To apply and learn more about the fellowship or Jerry Shestack’s illustrious career, please click here.
To donate to the Jerry Shestack Justice Fellowship, click here.
