Program Overview

What is the Douglass Fellowship?

Inspired by Frederick Douglass’s commitment to freedom, education, and advocacy, the Human Trafficking Institute (Institute) provides an opportunity for law students chosen through a competitive process to participate in a nine-month fellowship program focused on developing future leaders in the anti-human trafficking movement and providing resources to those currently combatting human trafficking around the globe.

Now accepting applications through April 13, for the 2018-19 cohort.

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Empowering the Next Generation of Anti-Trafficking Leaders

Through thorough research and being paired with a mentor, each Douglass Fellow will deepen their understanding of human trafficking and make a significant impact contribution to the cause of freedom. The Douglass Fellows represent the next generation of anti-trafficking leaders working to decimate human trafficking at its source.

2018 Douglass Fellow Selected for Summer Position at U.S. Department of Justice

Holly Thompson, a member of the 2017-2018 Douglass Fellowship cohort, has been selected for a summer position with the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. She will work in the Criminal Section of the Department’s Civil Rights Division. Read more

Douglass Fellow Cory Sagduyu Awarded Skadden Fellowship

Cory Sagduyu, a 2017-18 Douglass Fellow and third-year University of Virginia School of Law student, has been awarded the Skadden Fellowship. This program will fund her first two years working as an attorney for Ayuda, a nonprofit organization that assists immigrant victims of workplace crimes or labor exploitation. Read More

The Institute Files Amicus Brief with 8th Circuit Court

The Human Trafficking Institute recently filed an amicus brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit. This brief was co-drafted by Douglass Fellows Cj Murphy from the University of Virginia School of Law and Emily Sauer from Pepperdine University School of Law. Read more