Bard College creates fellowships for human rights lawyers and law students

The Human Rights Project at Bard College has launched the Anthony Lester Fellowships, which will support lawyers or law students undertaking practical fieldwork in human rights and the rule of law.

According to the Annandale-on-Hudson school, the fellowships will enable lawyers and law students early in their careers to undertake a project that helps effect practical change and are designed for those who may not otherwise have this opportunity. Two fellowships will be awarded for the 2024/25 academic year, with each fellow receiving a stipend of $25,000 for a project lasting at least three months. At the end of the fellowship, the fellows will write a short report on their project and will be invited to give a presentation at Bard College.

The fellowships are named in honor of Anthony Lester, also known as Lord Lester of Herne Hill (1936-2020), the prominent British human rights lawyer.

“We are delighted to be able to offer these fellowships in memory of our father who was inspired by his early international experience and an enthusiastic mentor to lawyers early in their careers wanting to do something useful for the world,” Maya Lester, Anthony Lester’s daughter and a British barrister.