Orator. Advisor. Advocate. Ambulance chaser. Healer of society? Throughout history, the role of “lawyer” has evolved to reflect the political, social, and economic norms of the times. From the praetors of Ancient Rome to the canonists of the Middle Ages, the training, responsibilities, and status of those tasked with shaping and upholding the law has changed dramatically.
In Collegium Institute’s Spring 2026 Legal Humanities Fellowship, “The Arc of Justice: The Legal Profession in Historical Context,” we will examine the historical evolution of the legal profession from Ancient Rome to the modern day, and reflect on the lessons that contemporary students and practitioners of the law can draw from the manifold appearances of the law and lawyers across history. By better understanding how the contemporary legal profession developed, we can hope to evaluate the possibilities for shaping its future.
The Legal Humanities Fellowship invites a small group of advanced undergraduate and law student fellows to participate in six seminar-style luncheons per semester. The discussions will be facilitated by academics and professionals in law, history, and philosophy. The seminars seek to cultivate reflection on the relationship between law and the good life, exploring how law — its substance and practice — can help us to become more fully human.
Dates: Mondays, 12:00 - 1:15 pm. Lunch will be provided for all participants.
January 26
February 2
February 9
February 16
February 23
March 2
Location: University of Pennsylvania (Location TBA)
Click the button below to apply for the Spring 2026 Legal Humanities Fellowship. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Final application deadline: Thursday, January 22
Please direct any questions to Nicholas Moore (nmoore99@penncareylaw.upenn.edu).