Frank Winston Fellows

Fellowship Qualifications

A sincere and demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in public interest or business law, both broadly defined, and a commitment to work in their chosen area for a minimum of three years immediately following graduation, or if hired as a judicial clerk, upon completion of the clerkship(s). Fellows who fail to fulfill this important responsibility will be morally obligated to repay the full amount of their scholarship.

Successful candidates must: (1) have exceptional academic and/or professional records; (2) embody the critical qualities of strong moral character, honesty, humility, integrity, resilience, significant leadership promise, and selflessness; (3) be creative, motivated, and passionate about justice and using their law degrees to make a meaningful difference in society; and (4) demonstrate a sincere commitment to serving the best interests of their clients, communities, and the justice system as a whole.

To retain the fellowship, recipients must remain continuously enrolled full time each semester (fall and spring), remain in good academic standing, and successfully complete all program requirements.

Estefania Chavez Higgins (‘14) serves as senior managing attorney for the Immigration Legal Services pro bono program at Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Washington D.C. As a 1L, Chavez Higgins participated in the law school’s alternative spring break U visa project, a project she would later lead during her 3L year. She also worked as a student attorney in the law school’s legal clinic, handling immigration matters. She recalls that these experiences solidified her career path as an immigration attorney. “Seeing that my direct contact with clients made a difference in their lives was fulfilling,” she says.
Estefania Chavez Higgins
Senior Managing Attorney, Immigration Legal Services, Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Washington D.C.

Fellowship Qualifications

A sincere and demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in public interest or business law, both broadly defined, and a commitment to work in their chosen area for a minimum of three years immediately following graduation, or if hired as a judicial clerk, upon completion of the clerkship(s). Fellows who fail to fulfill this important responsibility will be morally obligated to repay the full amount of their scholarship.

Successful candidates must: (1) have exceptional academic and/or professional records; (2) embody the critical qualities of strong moral character, honesty, humility, integrity, resilience, significant leadership promise, and selflessness; (3) be creative, motivated, and passionate about justice and using their law degrees to make a meaningful difference in society; and (4) demonstrate a sincere commitment to serving the best interests of their clients, communities, and the justice system as a whole.

To retain the fellowship, recipients must remain continuously enrolled full time each semester (fall and spring), remain in good academic standing, and successfully complete all program requirements.

Estefania Chavez Higgins (‘14) serves as senior managing attorney for the Immigration Legal Services pro bono program at Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Washington D.C. As a 1L, Chavez Higgins participated in the law school’s alternative spring break U visa project, a project she would later lead during her 3L year. She also worked as a student attorney in the law school’s legal clinic, handling immigration matters. She recalls that these experiences solidified her career path as an immigration attorney. “Seeing that my direct contact with clients made a difference in their lives was fulfilling,” she says.
Estefania Chavez Higgins
Senior Managing Attorney, Immigration Legal Services, Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Washington D.C.