August 28, 2025 – Washington, D.C. – Four exceptional legal professionals are set to commence their fellowships with the U.S. Supreme Court Fellows Program this September, marking the start of the 2025-2026 term. The program, a prestigious initiative that has been nurturing the next generation of judicial leaders for over five decades, offers these mid-career attorneys a unique immersion into the inner workings of the federal judiciary. Selected through a rigorous process, the new fellows will contribute to key institutions within the judicial branch while gaining invaluable insights into the administration of justice at the highest levels.
The Supreme Court Fellows Program: A Legacy of Judicial Excellence
Established in 1973 by the late Chief Justice Warren E. Burger, the Supreme Court Fellows Program is designed to provide talented individuals with hands-on experience in federal court administration. Fellows are appointed for a one-year term and work directly with top officials on projects that advance the Judiciary’s objectives, such as policy development, research, and operational support. As Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., has noted, the program represents “a unique opportunity for exceptional individuals to contribute to the administration of justice at the national level.”
Each year, only four fellows are chosen by a commission of nine members appointed by the Chief Justice. Applicants must be U.S. citizens holding a J.D. or other relevant post-graduate degree, and they are typically recent law clerks or early-career professionals with demonstrated excellence in public service. The fellows are assigned to one of four key federal judiciary agencies: the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, the U.S. Sentencing Commission, the Federal Judicial Center, or the Supreme Court’s Office of the Counselor to the Chief Justice. This year’s cohort, announced just days ago, exemplifies the program’s commitment to diversity, expertise, and dedication to the rule of law.
Meet the 2025-2026 Fellows
The incoming class brings a wealth of experience from prestigious clerkships and judicial roles across the country. Here are the four new fellows and their assignments:
- Samantha P. McCaleb: Joining from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, where she clerked for Judge Bobby E. Shepherd, McCaleb has a strong background in appellate practice. She will be assigned to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, the central support organization for the federal Judiciary. In this role, she will assist with management and administrative initiatives that ensure the efficient operation of courts nationwide. McCaleb’s prior experience positions her to contribute meaningfully to projects enhancing judicial administration.
- Addison P. Becker: A recent clerk for Judge J. Philip Calabrese of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, and previously for Judge Benita Y. Pearson, Becker brings district-level insights to her fellowship. She is assigned to the Supreme Court’s Office of the Counselor to the Chief Justice, where she will support high-level advisory functions and strategic initiatives directly impacting the Court’s operations. Her assignment underscores the program’s emphasis on bridging trial court experience with the apex of the judicial system.
- Melissa C. Cosgrove: Coming from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, where she served as a career law clerk for Magistrate Judge Stephen R. (the snippet appears truncated, but based on context, likely Judge Stephen R. Clark or similar), Cosgrove has extensive experience in district court proceedings. Her specific assignment is to the U.S. Sentencing Commission, the agency tasked with developing federal sentencing guidelines and policies. Cosgrove’s expertise will aid in refining sentencing practices that promote fairness and consistency across the federal courts.
The fourth fellow’s details were not fully detailed in the announcement, but the program consistently selects four individuals, with the remaining assignment likely to the Federal Judicial Center, focusing on judicial education and research. Full profiles and the complete list are available on the Supreme Court’s official Fellows Program website.
Significance and Impact
This year’s fellows arrive at a pivotal moment for the federal Judiciary, amid ongoing discussions about judicial independence, technology integration in courts, and evolving sentencing policies. Their work will not only support immediate operational needs but also foster long-term innovations in judicial administration. Past fellows have gone on to distinguished careers, including judgeships, academic positions, and leadership roles in legal organizations, highlighting the program’s role in shaping the future of American jurisprudence.
The announcement coincides with heightened interest in the Supreme Court, following recent terms that addressed landmark issues in constitutional law, civil rights, and administrative procedure. As the fellows begin their terms, they join a tradition that has produced influential figures in the legal field, contributing to the enduring strength of the third branch of government.
For more information on the Supreme Court Fellows Program, including application details for future terms (open for 2026-2027 until November 15, 2025), visit the official Supreme Court website. The Judiciary continues to seek outstanding candidates to uphold its mission of impartial justice.
Sources: United States Courts, Supreme Court of the United States