Fulbright Grant Winner

Haley Farrar JD ’11 will study restorative justice implementation and facilitation strategies in New Zealand.

Can you describe your Research Grant award, where you will be traveling, and what you’ll be researching while you’re there?

I received a grant through the U.S. State Department’s Fulbright Student Program in order to go study restorative justice implementation and facilitation strategies in New Zealand. Restorative justice is a highly successful approach to crime or conflict that centers around the repair of harm and the needs of victims, offenders, and the community. 

How did you become interested in your research topic? What sort of real-world implications might your research have?

I first learned of restorative justice in an undergraduate Peace and Conflict Studies class; I was reminded of the process and exposed to the theory again while on a law school study abroad in Costa Rica through DePaul University’s Human Rights in the Americas program. This sparked further interest, and I wrote my Capstone paper at L&C on the fair trial standard in restorative justice. Following graduation, I wanted to know what restorative justice looked like in practice. After many phone calls and informational interviews, I found I still had questions, and so applied for a Fulbright grant in order to learn the answers. 

How do you think your Lewis & Clark law education has contributed to receiving this grant?

L&C gave me the time, space, and support to dive into this topic academically. Throughout law school, I was able to find a solid theoretical understanding of restorative justice, which has served my practical use and application well.

What are your plans for the future, and how do you think your Research Grant experience will figure in those plans (future careers, etc?)

I plan to work in the field of restorative justice for many years to come. I expect the Fulbright will only enhance my understanding and ideas for future implementation and involvement. 

Any advice to share with other Lewis & Clark law students applying for similar awards in the future?

If there’s something you want to learn about, don’t hesitate to apply. Be sure to do the research, talk to other professionals, and solicit advice from family and friends for how to strengthen your application.

Is there anything else you’d like to say to future Lewis & Clark law students?

Take the time to explore your interests in the supportive environment of law school. You never know where it might lead you.