The National Institute for Workers’ Rights (Institute) understands the indispensable role workers’ rights advocates play in advancing equality and justice in the American workplace and our unique contribution to cultivating the next generation of lawyers who are dedicated to representing workers. The Institute’s fellowship and scholarship programs reflect our enduring commitment to ensuring that workers receive high-quality legal representation to enforce their workplace rights.

Paul H. Tobias Attorney Fellowship Program
The Paul H. Tobias (PHT) Attorney Fellowship Program exemplifies The Institute’s deep commitment to securing the future of employee rights advocacy. Honoring the Institute’s roots as the public interest organization of the National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA), The PHT Attorney Fellowship Program is named for Paul H. Tobias, NELA’s Founder and first Executive Director, for the boundless inspiration he has provided to plaintiffs’ employment lawyers for more than 50 years. It offers a new lawyer who embodies Paul’s indomitable spirit the opportunity to work on cutting-edge initiatives at the Institute for two years. The 2021-2023 PHT Attorney Fellowship has been filled.

Workers’ Rights Advocacy Fellowship Program
The Workers’ Rights Advocacy Fellowship Program provides law students the opportunity to work at the Institute, as well as the National Employment Lawyers Association, thereby cultivating the next generation of workers’ rights advocates. Please contact us for fellowship opportunities.

The Workers’ Rights Advocacy Scholarship Program
The Workers’ Rights Advocacy Scholarship Program represents the shared commitment of the Institute and our sister organization, NELA, that all workers—especially those most vulnerable to illegal employment practices—receive expert legal representation when they are unlawfully mistreated in the workplace. NELA’s renowned continuing legal education (CLE) programs are designed specifically by and for attorneys who represent employees in cases involving employment discrimination, wage and hour violations, and other employment-related matters. The Scholarship Program makes these educational opportunities accessible to employee rights advocates, including public interest, legal services, and private practitioners, who otherwise would not be able to attend them without financial assistance.

For more information, including an application, please send an email to info@niwr.