Increasing Diversity & Inclusion in the Legal Academy
At the University of Wisconsin Law School, we don't just talk about diversity, equity, and inclusion — we work to create a more diverse and inclusive community dedicated to the pursuit of equal justice under law. We believe law schools have a responsibility to create a learning environment where everyone feels safe, valued, respected, and heard; and we recognize our unique role in working to end systemic inequalities.
The Fellowship reflects a commitment to diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. We encourage applications from all prospective candidates with a JD or equivalent degree, including candidates of color and other underrepresented communities in the legal academy.
Current Hastie Fellows
Arti Walker-Peddakotla
Arti Walker-Peddakotla is a current William H. Hastie Fellow at University of Wisconsin Law School. The 2022 Soros Justice Fellow, former elected local official and U.S. Army veteran sees the fellowship as a continuation of her work in building a world “where we all have the freedom to thrive.”
Walker-Peddakotla’s research focuses on the role of the state in prison industrial complex abolition. She earned a J.D. in 2024 from Loyola University Chicago School of Law, where she co-created and co-taught the LAW156: Abolition and Movement Lawyering course. She also earned a master’s degree in microbiology and immunology at Loyola in 2012 and a bachelor’s degree in biology from Grand Valley State University in 2008.
Previous Hastie Fellows
Mario Barnes
Dean Emeritus
University of Washington Law School
Hastie Fellow 2002-2004
Stacy Leeds
Willard H. Pedrick Dean
Sandra Day O’Connor
College of Law,
Arizona State University
Hastie Fellow 1998-2000
Thomas Mitchell
Professor of Law; Director of the Initiative on Promoting Land and Housing Rights
Boston College Law School
Hastie Fellow 1996-1999
Kimberle Williams Crenshaw
Professor of Law
Columbia Law School
Hastie Fellow 1984-1985
50th Anniversary Reception
Program Overview
The Hastie Fellowship is a two-year program that supports aspiring scholars in preparation for a career in law teaching. Fellows pursue a scholarly agenda of their choice, typically prepare two pieces for publication, and receive mentoring in both their teaching and scholarly work.
Two-year Program
Scholarly Agenda & Publication
Teaching & Scholarly Mentoring
Commitment to Inclusion
Since 1973, UW Law School’s Hastie Fellowship has been a leader in guiding and increasing opportunities for lawyers of color and other underrepresented communities to become law professors. The program honors William H. Hastie (1904-1976), a lawyer, teacher, jurist and civil rights advocate who championed the importance of high-quality legal education.
Learn more about the Hastie Fellowship history and the remarkable careers of our Hastie graduates.
Scholarly & Teaching Expertise
Under the guidance of mentors and with faculty support, Hastie Fellows will:
- engage in intensive research and writing,
- participate in the hiring process of law schools, and
- gain teaching experience.
Program Sequence
Hastie Fellows are appointed for a term of two years.
- First year: emphasis on scholarship and research agenda
- Second year: application to legal teaching market; emphasis on teaching experience and publication of research
Contact Us
Please email hastiefellowship@law.wisc.edu with any Hastie Fellowship questions.
