Good Counselor Project: Addressing a Critical Educational Gap

August 5, 2026

By Ryan Fuller

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In a world often saturated by the shallow and the mindless, encountering content rooted in the classical ideals of truth, beauty, and goodness can be difficult.  But one need not despair.  Many have observed that society is again turning its gaze toward depth and antiquity–especially in the forms of classical education and apostolic Christianity.  This resurgence has been the topic of countless podcasts, articles, and scholarly discussions.  If you nonetheless remain doubtful, look no further than the $250 million spent producing Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey and the ensuing hype surrounding the film’s recent release.  A real interest in the classics appears to be breaking into the mainstream. 

This pivot is welcome; but, for many of us, as classical exposure increases, so too does the sense that there was a classical-shaped hole in our educational formation.  An analogous phenomenon is occurring within the legal profession.  We look at the jurisprudence and legal philosophy of recent decades and can sense that something has been missing.  An outsized emphasis on process, devoid of any true moral or philosophical moorings, has left many perplexed regarding the ends of law and the “why?” behind legal practice in general.  

Against this backdrop stands The Good Counselor Project Fellowship (“GCP”).  To me, GCP is “made for the moment” because it weaves classical engagement with high-quality substantive legal discussion.  As one who grew up functionally illiterate in the classics, delving into the works of Plato, Sophocles, and Cicero (among others) was incredibly rewarding.  GCP was also the first legal setting where I discussed St. Thomas Aquinas’s Treatise on Law in depth (to my great benefit).  The fellowship’s combination of the secular Western canon and foundational Christian legal thought was an intellectual breath of fresh air and especially useful at this early stage in my career.

But as stellar as all the source texts were, what stood out most about GCP was the discussion groups.  Or, more specifically, those doing the discussing.  It was so encouraging to interact with so many brilliant, like-minded attorneys who are aiming to do societal good and honor Christ in their practice of law.   The entire experience was energizing and was a great collective exercise in revisiting first things and orienting the “why” behind our practice of law.  

I could go on endlessly, but for brevity’s sake, I will leave you with this parting admonition:  if you are even remotely classically curious, enjoy meeting interesting people, and want to do good with your lawyerly vocation, then this is the fellowship for you.  Apply now, you will not regret it!

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