JUNIOR RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP
Program Description
CLR's virtual fellowship pairs students with law school editors and lawyers for hands-on mentorship, letting them research and publish work that engages with gaps, criticisms, and solutions in Canadian law and legal practice. The program's core mission is to make legal discourse—often exclusive to scholars—more accessible by amplifying youth voices, connecting different generations of legal thinkers, and mentoring future leaders in the field. Because it runs virtually, the Review can host this dialogue nationwide, across jurisdictions.
Who is Eligible?
Junior Research Fellows (JRFs) are post-secondary students, graduate students, or recent university graduates who are interested in academic legal research and writing.
Junior Research Fellows are expected to write a research paper that will contribute to knowledge about a legal topic of their choice. JRF’s are mentored by Senior Editor law students and lawyer advisors.
To apply to be a Junior Research Fellow at CLR, you must have at least completed high school and are either:
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Currently enrolled in or have completed an undergraduate or collegiate program (any discipline); or,
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Currently enrolled in or have completed a graduate program; or,
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Have work experience post-high school of more than 4 years.
Please note that as a policy, we aim to limit graduate applicants to two years post-graduation to focus on highlighting student scholarship. If you have completed your graduate/legal studies more than two years ago, you may submit an addendum explaining why you'd like to submit in our journals. Decisions will be made on an ad hoc basis.
What are the Expectations?
JRFs are expected to communicate effectively and consistently with their Editor in Chief, Senior Editor, Associate Editors, the Publishing Review Board, and their Advisor. CLR internal communications volunteers are available to assist with any inquiries regarding recommendations on appropriate communications between editorial members and advisors.
Responsibilities include:
(a) Bi-weekly meetings/check-ins with editors and advisors.
(b) Writing an article about a legal or policy issue/discussion to be approved by the assigned Senior Editor and Publishing Review Board.
(c) Making edits as requested by the editorial board.
(d) Attending networking and social CLLF events (optional but highly encouraged).
Application Criteria
All JRF Applications should include:
(1) A 1-page Research Proposal detailing the paper you would like to write in the program
(2) A completed 8-10 page excerpt of a research paper (this can be an excerpt of a course paper)
(3) A 1-page CV with your previous academic experience, any relevant work experience, awards, certifications, or more.
* Interviews may be conducted by the Editor-in-Chief.
Deadline is October 9th, 2026 at 11:59 pm EST.