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Tony Patiño Fellowship

The Tony Patiño Fellowship is a prestigious merit award that identifies and supports incoming law students whose personal, educational, and professional histories exemplify leadership, character, academic success, citizenship, and initiative. 

Established by Francesca Turner in memory of her son, Antenor “Tony” Patiño, Jr. — a law student whose life reflected a deep commitment to leadership, generosity, and service to others — the Fellowship operates collaboratively at the University of Chicago Law School, Columbia Law School, and UC Law San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings).

The Fellowship is more than a traditional scholarship. It is a transformative professional journey anchored by the Patiño Leadership Accelerator, a three-year program of immersive national convenings, structured mentorship, and intensive peer learning that runs alongside Fellows’ legal education. Working with distinguished practitioners and leadership experts, Fellows-Elect develop the judgment and practical skills needed to lead in today’s complex and rapidly transforming landscape.

Each year, one or two Fellows-Elect are selected from our incoming class. Upon graduation, Fellows-Elect become Tony Patiño Fellows and join a global community of hundreds of lawyer-leaders working in law, business, government, technology, academia, and public service.

You can find more information about the Tony Patiño Fellowship on the Fellowship's website.

What It Means to Be a Tony Patiño Fellow-Elect

Tony Patiño Fellows-Elect are supported throughout their law school education in four ways:

  • Financial support. Each Fellow-Elect receives a stipend of at least $17,500 per year. The award is renewable each year — up to $52,500 over three years of law school — and is independent of other financial aid.
  • Three years of leadership development. Fellows-Elect take part in the Patiño Leadership Accelerator throughout law school, building the judgment, courage, and skills that leaders require.
  • A lifelong professional community. Fellows-Elect join a worldwide network of accomplished students, alumni, and mentors, a lifetime community of friendship and support.
  • Engagement with the Chicago Law community. The Fellowship fosters a vibrant local community through curated gatherings, including lunches and dinners with Fellows and other Fellows-Elect.

How to Apply

The 2026 online application provides a secure form to submit all required information and supplemental materials directly to the Fellowship Selection Committee. 

Application Deadline: Friday, June 26, 2026

A complete application consists of:

  • An online application covering applicant information, education and employment, leadership roles and public service, personal references, and a signed Statement of Understanding
  • A brief autobiographical essay
  • A resume
  • Letters of recommendation

All materials listed above can be attached to your online application to be sent directly to the Fellowship. 

Recommenders who prefer to submit their letter separately may send it to the Law School’s Financial Aid Office at financialaid@law.uchicago.edu by the application deadline. The Financial Aid Office will forward the letter to the Fellowship and confirm receipt with the applicant.

What Makes for a Strong Application

Applicants from all personal, educational, and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply. There are no specific experiences required, but the strongest candidates tend to bring evidence of:

  • Leadership in academic, professional, or community settings
  • Strong moral character and ethical conduct
  • Academic achievement
  • Sound judgment under pressure
  • A demonstrated commitment to public service — broadly construed as any activity whose primary purpose is to benefit others or the community as a whole.

Financial need is not a factor in selection.

Testimonials from Fellows-Elect

The community is by far my favorite element of the Patiño Fellowship; this includes not only the Patiño Fellow-Elect cohort at UChicago Law, but also the chapter and the wider Patiño Fellowship leadership and alumni. Every quarter, there is a Chicago Patiño dinner or brunch where students have the opportunity to meet alumni in the city and build those connections.
- Kelly Bridges, Class of 2025

Moving to Chicago was intimidating for me as I had always lived in California and had no family or close friends here. Having a group of talented people that have taken an interest in my academic, personal, and professional success has been a source of motivation for me every day. From day one, the Board, Fellows, and Fellows-Elect have served as a guiding source of support.
- Turner Stanton, Class of 2026

FAQs

Frequently asked questions are available on the Tony Patiño Fellowship website.