Dallas hosts rare paid federal civil rights fellowship
A unique paid summer program in Dallas is training aspiring federal civil rights trial lawyers, a rare opportunity in the field.
Dallas, TX – This week, the UNT Dallas College of Law is hosting a unique federal civil rights fellowship that provides paid training for aspiring trial lawyers. The program, known as the Merritt Civil Rights Fellowship, culminates in a live federal trial demonstration led by prominent attorneys.
On Tuesday, July 14, civil rights lawyers Benjamin Crump and S. Lee Merritt will instruct the current cohort of fellows in a practical demonstration of federal litigation. The Hon. Renée Harris Toliver, U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Northern District of Texas, will preside over the demonstration.
The five-week fellowship is described as rare for combining paid compensation for law students, a live federal trial demonstration by practicing litigators, institutional collaboration between a law school, a historically Black college, and a national bar association, and nationwide eligibility. The program aims to equip students with practical skills in federal civil rights trial practice.
S. Lee Merritt, a Dallas-based attorney known for his work in police accountability cases, and Benjamin Crump, who has represented families in numerous high-profile civil rights cases, are leading the educational component. The collaboration also involves UNT Dallas College of Law, Morehouse College, and the National Bar Association.
The trial demonstration is scheduled to take place at UNT Dallas College of Law, 106 S. Harwood Street. Proceedings begin at 9:00 AM CDT, with closing arguments anticipated between 3:30 PM and 5:00 PM. A press availability session is scheduled for 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, offering interviews with participating faculty and fellows.