The Supreme Court of the United States welcomes four new fellows for the 2025-2026 term, marking a significant opportunity for these emerging legal professionals to gain invaluable experience within the highest court in the nation. The fellowship program has a rich history of cultivating talent and providing a pathway for the next generation of court professionals to engage with the judiciary. Each fellow brings a unique background and set of skills, poised to contribute to the various branches of the federal judicial system.
Profiles of the New Supreme Court Fellows
The newly appointed fellows include Samantha P. McCaleb, Addison P. Becker, Melissa C. Cosgrove, and Keegan B. Coppola. Each fellow has joined the program after completing prestigious clerkships that have prepared them for their roles within the Supreme Court. For instance, Samantha P. McCaleb comes from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, where she clerked for Judge Bobby E. Shepherd. In her new role at the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, she will engage in essential administrative support for the federal courts, enhancing her understanding of the judicial system.
Addison P. Becker has a notable background as well, having clerked for both Judge J. Philip Calabrese and Judge Benita Y. Pearson in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. Her assignment to the Supreme Court’s Office of the Counselor to the Chief Justice will allow her to work closely with the Chief Justice and gain insights into the operational aspects of the Supreme Court. This opportunity is part of a broader initiative aimed at developing the next generation of court professionals.
Contributions to Judicial Education and Research
Melissa C. Cosgrove, another fellow, has a strong foundation in legal research and education, having served as a career law clerk for Magistrate Judge Stephen R. Welby in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri. Her current assignment at the Federal Judicial Center will focus on educational programs and research that support the federal judiciary. This role is vital for ensuring that judges and court personnel are well-equipped with the latest knowledge and skills necessary for effective judicial administration.
Keegan B. Coppola rounds out the group, having clerked for Judge Iain D. Johnston in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Her assignment at the U.S. Sentencing Commission will provide her with a unique perspective on federal sentencing policies and practices. This experience is particularly relevant given the ongoing judiciary funding issues that impact the functioning of the courts and their ability to administer justice effectively.
The Supreme Court Fellowship program continues to attract talented legal minds who are eager to contribute to the judicial system. As the 2025-2026 term approaches, four new fellows have been selected to join this prestigious program. Each fellow brings a unique background and experience, enhancing the program’s mission to foster judicial excellence and innovation.
Profiles of the New Supreme Court Fellows
Samantha P. McCaleb, one of this year’s fellows, comes from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, where she served as a clerk for Judge Bobby E. Shepherd. Her assignment at the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts positions her to engage closely with the management and operational aspects of the federal judiciary. This role is critical as it supports the functioning of the courts across the nation, ensuring they operate effectively and efficiently.
Another notable fellow, Addison P. Becker, transitions from the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. Having clerked for Judge J. Philip Calabrese and Judge Benita Y. Pearson, she brings a wealth of experience to her assignment at the Supreme Court’s Office of the Counselor to the Chief Justice. This office plays a vital role in advising the Chief Justice on a variety of issues, ensuring that the court’s responsibilities are met with sound legal counsel.
Contributions to Judicial Education and Research
Melissa C. Cosgrove, who has extensive experience as a career law clerk for Magistrate Judge Stephen R. Welby, has been assigned to the Federal Judicial Center. This agency is dedicated to the education and research of the federal courts, making her role essential for developing programs that enhance judicial skills and knowledge. By contributing to ongoing education, fellows like Cosgrove help to shape the future of the judiciary.
Keegan B. Coppola, the final fellow in this cohort, joins from the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, where she clerked for Judge Iain D. Johnston. Her assignment to the U.S. Sentencing Commission allows her to engage with complex issues surrounding federal sentencing policies and practices. The commission’s work is crucial in ensuring that sentencing is fair and consistent across the board, reflecting the principles of justice.
Impact of the Fellowship Program
The Supreme Court Fellowship program not only serves to enhance the professional development of its fellows but also contributes to the broader legal community. By exposing these individuals to high-level judicial processes and decision-making, the program cultivates a new generation of legal leaders. The experiences gained during this fellowship will undoubtedly shape their future careers and influence the judiciary.
Moreover, the insights and perspectives these fellows bring back to their respective courts and legal practices can lead to significant improvements in legal processes. For instance, the integration of technology in courtrooms is an area where fellows can provide valuable input, particularly as seen in discussions surrounding ai in courtrooms. Their experiences can guide the implementation of innovative solutions that enhance judicial efficiency and accessibility.
As the new term begins, the contributions of these fellows will be closely watched by legal scholars and practitioners alike. Their work within the Supreme Court and its associated offices will not only impact their personal careers but also leave a lasting imprint on the judicial system as a whole. The fellowship program continues to be a vital link between emerging legal talent and the highest levels of the judiciary, reinforcing the importance of mentorship and professional growth in the field of law.
The commencement of the 2025-2026 Supreme Court Fellows program marks a significant milestone in the professional development of emerging legal talents within the United States. This year, four distinguished individuals have been selected to participate in this prestigious program, each bringing a wealth of experience from their respective judicial clerkships. Their assignments will provide them with unique opportunities to contribute to the functioning of the Supreme Court and the broader federal judiciary.
Profiles of the New Fellows
Samantha P. McCaleb is one of the new fellows, having previously clerked for Judge Bobby E. Shepherd at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. Her assignment at the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts will allow her to engage in critical administrative functions that support the federal courts. This role is vital for ensuring the smooth operation of judicial processes and enhancing the efficiency of the courts.
Another fellow, Addison P. Becker, comes from the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, where she served under Judge J. Philip Calabrese and previously under Judge Benita Y. Pearson. Becker’s role in the Supreme Court’s Office of the Counselor to the Chief Justice will involve working closely with the Chief Justice to address various legal and administrative matters, thereby playing a crucial part in the court’s operations.
Experience and Contributions
Melissa C. Cosgrove, who has extensive experience as a career law clerk for Magistrate Judge Stephen R. Welby, will be assigned to the Federal Judicial Center. This agency focuses on education and research for the federal courts, and Cosgrove’s background will enable her to contribute significantly to the development of educational resources for judges and court personnel. Her efforts here will likely enhance the overall quality of judicial education across the nation.
Finally, Keegan B. Coppola, who clerked for Judge Iain D. Johnston at the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, will work with the U.S. Sentencing Commission. This commission plays a critical role in developing sentencing policies and guidelines, and Coppola’s involvement will be instrumental in shaping the future of federal sentencing practices. Her experience in the judicial system will provide valuable insights into the complexities of sentencing issues.
Impact on the Judiciary
The Supreme Court Fellows program serves not only as a training ground for future leaders in the legal field but also as a means to enhance the functionality of the judiciary. As these fellows embark on their respective assignments, they will be positioned to influence various aspects of judicial administration and policy. Their contributions are expected to have a lasting impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of the federal court system.
Moreover, the integration of new talent into the Supreme Court and its associated agencies reflects a commitment to fostering innovation within the judiciary. As these fellows bring fresh perspectives and ideas, they are likely to contribute to ongoing discussions surrounding the judiciary’s role in contemporary society. For instance, the challenges posed by the judiciary budget crisis may benefit from the insights these new fellows provide, as they engage with pressing issues faced by the courts.