Since 2001, the Firm has sponsored a fellowship for recent graduates to work in the field of civil rights. Following the death of founding partner Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr., this fellowship was named in his memory to honor his dedication and commitment to civil rights while a member of the Firm and throughout his distinguished career.

Former fellows have gone on to a variety of positions in the field of civil rights law, including representing indigent defendants and Guantanamo detainees, as well as teaching law at the University of Virginia, Yale University, Fordham University, the City University of New York, and the University of Texas at Austin.

NSB Alums in the News

Brandon Garrett
“Study of Wrongful Convictions Raises Questions Beyond DNA”
Adam Liptak
New York Times, July 23, 2007
see story (pdf)

“Prosecutors Block Access to DNA Testing for Inmates”
Shaila Dewan
New York Times, May 18, 2009
see story (pdf)

Ramzi Kassem
“The Black Sites: A Rare Look Inside the CIA’s Secret Interrogation Programs”
Jane Mayer
The New Yorker, August 13, 2007
see story (pdf)