The Judicial Fellowship Program brings early- and mid-career judges and magistrates from around the world to the United States for a two-week professional exchange and residential learning experience. It is run by the Presidential Precinct, a Charlottesville-based nonprofit, in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Fellows split their time between Washington, D.C. and Charlottesville, Virginia, working through case studies, simulations and interactive exercises while visiting institutions such as the U.S. Supreme Court and the National Center for State Courts. The program focuses on judicial ethics, opinion writing, mediation, performance evaluation and the rule of law, and connects each cohort into a growing global network of judges. The 2026 edition runs from 26 September to 10 October.
Benefits & funding
- All international and domestic travel for the program
- Lodging for the full two weeks
- Group meals and group admissions to program activities and site visits
- Structured learning at the National Center for State Courts and the University of Virginia, plus judicial site visits in Washington, D.C.
- An invitation letter to support the U.S. visa application (participants obtain and pay for their own visa)
- Membership in the program’s international alumni network
Eligibility
- Serving judges or magistrates, early- or mid-career, from countries across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas
- Five to seven years of experience presiding over civil or criminal cases
- Demonstrated commitment to the rule of law, integrity and ethical conduct
- A proven record of leadership and a willingness to share and apply what they learn at home
- Strong communication and collaboration skills, and proficiency in English
Can you apply?
Worth a closer look
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Education required
Bachelor
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Experience required
5–7 yrs
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We only check the criteria we have data for. Always confirm full eligibility on the official page before applying.
Application process
- 1Confirm you meet the judicial-experience and English criteria and can attend the full two weeks in late September and October.
- 2Complete the online application form (linked from the program page) during the application window, which in 2026 ran from 14 April to 1 June.
- 3Wait for selection decisions, communicated in early to mid July.
- 4If selected, secure your own U.S. visa using the invitation letter the Foundation provides, then travel for the program from 26 September to 10 October.
Program timeline
Applications open
Apr 14, 2026
Application deadline (11:59 pm EST)
Jun 1, 2026
2026-07
Selection decisions announced (early to mid July)
Program begins in Washington, D.C.
Sep 26, 2026
Program ends in Charlottesville, Virginia
Oct 10, 2026