From Courtrooms to Classrooms | How Early-Career Attorneys Are Driving Education Opportunity in the South
GeDá Jones Herbert, Chief Legal Counsel, Brown’s Promise | Housed at the Southern Education Foundation
For many students in the South, fair access to a high-quality education remains an ongoing struggle. However, early-career attorneys are stepping up to change that, and the Lynn Walker Huntley (LWH) Social Justice Fellowship is providing them with a platform to make it happen.
For example, Camille Pendley Hau, the current LWH Social Justice Fellow, has worked closely with SEF’s legal team to challenge unfair school funding in a major Southern city. This opportunity allowed the Fellow to draft briefs, analyze policies, and coordinate with community partners to help secure additional resources for underfunded schools, ensuring that students received the support they needed to succeed during her first year of legal practice. Stories like this are why the fellowship matters. It turns legal expertise into tangible improvements in educational opportunity.
“The Lynn Walker Huntley Social Justice Fellowship has been an incredible opportunity right out of law school, ” said Camille Pendley Hau, Lynn Walker Huntley Social Justice Fellow. “In just one year, I’ve observed court proceedings, appeared in court on behalf of plaintiffs, conducted direct examinations, delivered oral arguments, and helped develop legal strategies for important cases. The work is rigorous and meaningful, and I’ve been supported every step of the way by the Southern Education Foundation team and attorneys from the Southern Poverty Law Center and Brown’s Promise.”
Interested in applying? Listen to our recent webinar to learn more about the fellowship and the application process.
Fellows in the program don’t just observe, they lead. They engage in advocacy, impact litigation, and policy reform across Southern states, from drafting legislative testimony to supporting federal court cases that protect civil rights in schools. Their work directly affects students’ lives, from promoting fair access to funding to combating segregation and advancing access to quality education for all.
Named in honor of Lynn Walker Huntley, SEF’s first female president and a pioneering civil rights attorney, the fellowship carries forward her legacy of courage, expertise, and commitment to educational opportunity. It’s a unique chance for attorneys with a passion for civil rights to build their skills, expand their impact, and join a community dedicated to shaping the future of Southern schools.
Applications for the 2026–2028 fellowship are now open. Early-career attorneys who earned their J.D. between May 2024 and May 2026 are encouraged to apply. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the next generation of legal leaders advancing opportunity in education. Apply by October 1st.