The Blackstone Legal Fellowship exists to form and sustain a community of Christian lawyers committed to the thoughtful practice of law and the responsible stewardship of the legal system. Its aim is not only professional success, but long-term influence shaped by integrity, competence, and faith.
This work begins by identifying and supporting promising Christian law students, grounding them in both legal training and the understanding of the rule of law, and giving them opportunities for meaningful, real-world experience. Interns are then launched into careers prepared to serve clients, institutions, and the broader culture with excellence and sound judgment.
At the same time, Blackstone is a community that invests in its people over time. Those commissioned into the Fellowship are encouraged to support one another, to continue learning together, and to engage the legal culture in ways that preserve space for faithful witness and the pursuit of justice.
With that mission in view, the Blackstone Legal Fellowship is open to:
Who Should Apply to Blackstone?
Current Law Students
The Blackstone Legal Fellowship is designed primarily for students completing their first year of law school, allowing us to begin formation early and walk with them as they discern direction and prepare for a vocation of influence. Students in their second year—and in exceptional cases, their third—are also encouraged to apply.
While rooted in the American legal tradition, Blackstone welcomes a global community. International applicants from law schools outside the United States are considered after first completing an ADF International Academy, ensuring they share the same foundation of vision and preparation.
Christ-Centered Individuals
Blackstone Fellows share a devotion to the historic virtues of the Christian faith and a resolve to embody them in every sphere of life. They come from across the Christian tradition—Catholic, Evangelical, Mainline, and Orthodox—and applicants affirm the Nicene and Apostles’ Creeds as part of the process of joining the Fellowship. Alongside this shared faith, Fellows hold a deep commitment to the principles that sustain a free and flourishing society.
Future Leaders
Because of this mission, and the depth of community it sustains, the selection process is highly competitive, seeking students with the character, leadership potential, and vision to shape the world around them. Applicants are considered on a combination of: (1) academic achievement; (2) demonstrated and emerging leadership; (3) commitment to legal and cultural engagement; and (4) maturity of faith and integrity of character.
Though the Fellowship is selective, we invite every student who resonates with the mission of Blackstone to apply. Once you do, our staff will connect with you to guide you through application process.
If you have any questions about applying, please do not hesitate to contact us – see the How Do I Apply page.
For anyone matriculating into law school or considering law school, we encourage you to reach out to our team at blackstone@adflegal.org.
For those who are already lawyers, we encourage you to consider our Legal Academy or Young Lawyers Academy.
“Prior to Blackstone, ADF’s staff told us to prepare for a life-changing experience. To be honest, I thought this was simply an exaggeration. I could not have been more wrong. Blackstone was one of the greatest blessings of my life. I had the opportunity to learn the truth from faithful, courageous individuals who are leaders in their respective fields. I left encouraged and inspired by the witness and boldness of my fellow interns – their talent, drive, and faithfulness to Christ give me hope for the future of our nation. Most importantly, Blackstone blessed me with friends for life. I told my family afterwards that it felt like Heaven on earth being surrounded by such godly, loving, kind, sincere, and joyful individuals. I truly believe there is no other opportunity that comes close to providing the fellowship I experienced at Blackstone.”
Blackstone Fellow, Class of 2021