Supreme Court Program Fellow

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities and is among is the top ten research universities in the nation for federal research expenditures as well as for federally funded social and behavioral sciences research and development.

Here at Carolina, our highly skilled postdocs play a vital role in our research enterprise and towards our overall commitment to research excellence. Across many disciplines, postdocs contribute to the intellectual vitality of the University. They provide innovative ideas and perspectives, foster a stimulating research environment and advance knowledge within their fields. Postdocs are crucial members of our scientific research workforce, contributors to our research outputs and an important reason why Carolina is one of the leading public research institutions in the country.

UNC-Chapel Hill offers postdocs comprehensive medical and vision coverage, paid leave, and benefits and services that support professional development and a healthy work/life balance. Chapel Hill regularly ranks as one of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, a reputation guided by the diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

The University of North Carolina, School of Law aspires to be a great public law school. Toward this end, it pursues a fourfold mission: to prepare outstanding lawyers and leaders for the bar, the bench, all public and private law settings, and public service; to make nationally and internationally significant legal and policy contributions through an ambitious agenda of research and scholarship; to instill lifelong ethical values, dedication to the cause of justice and a lasting commitment to pro bono and public service; and, to serve the legal profession, the people and institutions of North Carolina, the nation and the world.

The University of North Carolina School of Law is proud to announce a prestigious fellowship opportunity with its nationally recognized Supreme Court Program, beginning in Fall 2026. This program is one of only a handful of opportunities at American law schools for law students to be directly involvement in litigation before the United States Supreme Court.

Since its inception, the UNC Supreme Court Program has cultivated a reputation for excellence in appellate advocacy. Students engage deeply in the mechanics of Supreme Court litigation, including identifying cert-worthy cases, drafting petitions for certiorari, oppositions to certiorari, amicus briefs, and merits briefs. The Program consistently files more than ten briefs per Term, and since 2019, has submitted over 30 briefs to the Court, including a successful merits brief in McElrath v. Georgia, 601 U.S. 87 (2024). McElrath was argued by Program Co-Director Richard Simpson, resulting in a 9-0 victory.

The Fellow will serve as counsel in active Supreme Court litigation and will co-teach the Supreme Court Program course, providing mentorship and supervision to students engaged in real-world appellate practice. The fellowship includes significant litigation responsibilities including drafting and revising court filings, client recruitment, and strategic case development. In performing these tasks, the Fellow will work with Richard Simpson and may serve as counsel of record in one or more cases, contingent on Supreme Court Bar membership.

This is a two-year fellowship, with an initial appointment for one year, and a strong expectation of renewal. The fellowship is designed to support both academic career preparation and professional development. Fellows interested in pursuing a career in legal academia will receive structured mentorship, dedicated time for research and writing, and support in preparing for the academic job market. Those focused on appellate litigation will gain unparalleled experience in Supreme Court practice, positioning them for elite roles in government, private practice, or public interest

* J.D. from an accredited law school

* Experience in appellate litigation
* Bar membership in good standing in any U.S. jurisdiction

* Supreme Court practice experience and membership in the Supreme Court Bar are strongly preferred but not required.

For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University's Office of Postdoctoral Affairs at (919) 962-9982 or send an email to opahr@unc.edu.

Please note: The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.