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The Deason Criminal Justice Reform Center’s summer fellowship program provides law students with hands-on experience in criminal legal reform advocacy and research. Under the supervision of the Deason Center’s nationally recognized experts, summer fellows work as full participants in the Center’s projects and activities. Fellows will research legal policy, draft advocacy materials, conduct site visits, work on active and anticipated litigation, and meet with practitioners from across the country. Interested summer fellows may apply for part-time academic-year positions that will allow them to continue their Deason Center fellowship experience.

The Deason Center provides its fellows with $8500 in summer funding and reimburses travel expenses associated with the fellowship program. In addition, the Deason Center supports its fellows in developing a criminal justice career. Staff help students identify career opportunities, hone their job application materials, meet potential employers, and prepare for job interviews.

The Center selects fellows who have demonstrated a commitment to criminal legal reform and excellent academic credentials. Strong applicants will be exceptional communicators and creative problem solvers who are eager to explore a wide range of reform strategies, including litigation, legislation, and practice reform. Students with lived experience in the criminal legal system are particularly encouraged to apply.

To apply, send your resumé, a writing sample, and a brief (500-word maximum) statement of interest to DeasonJusticeCenter@smu.edu. (First year students may submit non-legal writing samples.) The Deason Center reviews applications on a rolling basis and anticipates making fellowship offers by October 9, 2026.