Military and Veterans Law Fellow

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities and is among is the top ten research universities in the nation for federal research expenditures as well as for federally funded social and behavioral sciences research and development.

Here at Carolina, our highly skilled postdocs play a vital role in our research enterprise and towards our overall commitment to research excellence. Across many disciplines, postdocs contribute to the intellectual vitality of the University. They provide innovative ideas and perspectives, foster a stimulating research environment and advance knowledge within their fields. Postdocs are crucial members of our scientific research workforce, contributors to our research outputs and an important reason why Carolina is one of the leading public research institutions in the country.

UNC-Chapel Hill offers postdocs comprehensive medical and vision coverage, paid leave, and benefits and services that support professional development and a healthy work/life balance. Chapel Hill regularly ranks as one of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, a reputation guided by the diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

The University of North Carolina, School of Law aspires to be a great public law school. Toward this end, it pursues a fourfold mission: to prepare outstanding lawyers and leaders for the bar, the bench, all public and private law settings, and public service; to make nationally and internationally significant legal and policy contributions through an ambitious agenda of research and scholarship; to instill lifelong ethical values, dedication to the cause of justice and a lasting commitment to pro bono and public service; and, to serve the legal profession, the people and institutions of North Carolina, the nation and the world.

The University of North Carolina School of Law is proud to announce a prestigious fellowship opportunity with its new Institute for Military and Veterans Law, beginning in Fall 2026. This program is one of only a handful of opportunities at American law schools for fellowships that focus on the legal issues surrounding servicemembers and their families.

Since the foundation of the Military and Veterans Law Clinic in 2018, UNC School of Law has cultivated a reputation for excellence in both military law and veterans law. Faculty and students in the Military and Veterans Law Clinic represent low-income former servicemembers who have been wrongfully denied veterans benefits. The Institute for Military and Veterans Law will use the unique data set generated by the Military and Veterans Law Clinic to improve and proliferate the research, scholarship, and educational contributions of UNC School of Law to the military law and veterans law fields.

The Fellow will primarily research the impact of military law, military systems, and the increased understanding of mental health on former servicemembers and veterans. Their interdisciplinary research will generate both scholarship and educational opportunities designed to improve knowledge at the operational, strategic, and policy levels. The Fellow will work under the supervision of Professor John Brooker, Director of the Institute for Military and Veterans Law, as well as Professor Kim Tran, Ph.D., and Professor Tod Leaven, who will serve as Deputy Directors.

The Fellow will assist with Military and Veterans Law Clinic cases and may supervise and mentor clinic students. The Fellow will also be expected to teach one substantive course on a topic related to military law, veterans law, public international law, or leadership.

This is a two-year fellowship, with an initial appointment for one year and a strong expectation of renewal. The fellowship is designed to support both academic career preparation and professional development. Fellows interested in pursuing a career in legal academia will receive structured mentorship, dedicated time for research and writing, and support in preparing for the academic job market. Those focused on developing expertise in policy or leadership positions will gain unparalleled experience in understanding the substantive practical and legal issues facing military members and their families, thereby positioning them for elite roles in government, private practice, or public interest.

- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree (or equivalent) from an American Bar Association ( ABA) Approved Law School

- Active member in good standing of a State Bar or equivalent licensing authority for the practice of law
- Not subject to a pending administrative or disciplinary action or investigation of any form by a State Bar or equivalent licensing authority or any court

- Ten years or more of legal practice as a uniformed or civilian attorney employed within the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)
- Master of Laws (LL.M.) Degree in Military Law or Criminal Law
- Experience in leadership positions within the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) or U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University's Office of Postdoctoral Affairs at (919) 962-9982 or send an email to opahr@unc.edu.

Please note: The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.