A hot topic this election season is policy and issues related to immigration, asylum, and refugee laws. This week we’re highlighting staff attorney positions with non-profit and civil legal aid organizations that represent immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers of all ages and backgrounds.

For more opportunities in immigration, browse this filtered search of PSJD.

African Services Committee (New York, NY)

African Services Committee is a multiservice agency assisting immigration, refugees, and asylum seekers from the African Diaspora. African Services provides civil legal and social services throughout New York City, while also operating four HIV clinics in Ethiopia to help prevent HIV and expand access to AIDS treatment.

African Services Committee seeks two attorneys and an immigration paralegal to join its staff. The two attorneys will provide assistance in matters relating to immigration or housing and benefits. Ideal candidates will speak a foreign language (particularly Spanish or French) and will be committed to serving immigrant communities.

Follow this link to learn more.

Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project (Los Angeles, CA)

An initiative of Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project is a non-profit law firm providing community education and legal representation to immigrant communities in Southern California. Attorneys at Esperanza provide both pro bono and low-cost direct representation to youth and adults both detained and released from immigration detention centers.

Esperanza seeks a staff attorney and two managing attorneys to join the Representation and Released Youth Programs. Ideal candidates will be passionate about social justice for immigrants and vulnerable communities, and will be proficient in at least two languages.

Follow this link to learn more.

Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (Multiple Locations)

Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) is the nation’s leading Latino civil rights organization. MALDEF combines advocacy, educational outreach, and litigation strategies to achieve socio-economic change.

MALDEF is hiring interns and staff attorneys to joins its legislative and litigation teams. MALDEF has openings in its offices in California, D.C., Illinois, and Texas. Ideal candidates will be interested and have experience in civil rights, immigration, and issues affecting the Latino community.

Follow this link to learn more.

This week we’re focusing on entry-level attorney positions with organizations that provide services and support to survivors of domestic violence. As experts recommend social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19, more people are staying indoors. For some individuals and families, staying home is not the safest option and may lead to an increase in abuse experienced at the hands of intimate partners and family members.

If you or a loved one is experiencing or has experienced domestic violence, please contact national or local support services, such as the National Domestic Violence hotline (1-800-799-7233, 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)).

If you are interested in serving survivors of domestic violence, check out these entry-level attorney opportunities:

Family Violence Law Center (Oakland, CA)

The Family Violence Law Center (FVLC) advocates for justice and healthy relationships to help survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Alameda County. FVLC staff provide free legal and crisis intervention services as well as prevention education for youth and community members.

FVLC seeks a bilingual domestic violence staff attorney to provide trauma-informed civil legal services. The ideal candidate will have experience with family law, have knowledge of issues related to sexual assault and domestic violence, and be bilingual in English and Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, or Vietnamese.

Follow this link to learn more.

Montana Legal Services Association (Helena or Missoula, MT)

The Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA) is the only statewide provider of free civil legal services to low-income residents. MLSA’s clientele includes American Indians living in reservations throughout Montana. MLSA attorneys provide advice, counsel and representation to clients and advocate across the state on poverty law issues.

MLSA seeks attorneys to represent survivors of family and sexual violence in rural Montana communities and on American Indian reservations. Ideal candidates will have experience in family law, poverty law, and Indian law.

Follow this link to learn more.

Prairie State Legal Services, Inc. (Rockford, IL)

Prairie State Legal Services (PSLS) is a civil legal aid organization serving 36 counties throughout northern and central Illinois. PSLS’s Domestic Violence Victim Services project provides legal assistance to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Services include obtaining protective/restraining orders and assisting on legal issues that address consequences of victimization.

PSLS seeks a staff attorney to join the Domestic Violence Victim Services team. The attorney will be responsible for interviewing clients and assessing their needs, engaging with service providers, providing legal services, and communicating with police and prosecutors to advocate for clients. Ideal candidates will have experience with litigation and negotiation and will be committed to aiding victims of domestic violence.

Follow this link to learn more.

Safe Horizon (Queens, NY)

Safe Horizon is a national victim assistance organization serving more than 250,000 people affected by crime and abuse each year. Safe Horizon provides practical services, legal representation, and support services to help their clients tell their stories, seek justice, and feel safe.

Safe Horizon seeks a staff attorney to provide representation to domestic violence victims in family matters. The ideal candidate will have experience in family law and crisis intervention and be deeply committed to social justice, community empowerment, and racial justice.

Follow this link to learn more.

Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid (Corpus Christi, TX)

Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid (TRLA) is the largest legal aid provider in Texas. TRLA provides free civil legal aid to residents in 68 Southwest Texas counties, represents farm workers in 7 southern states, and operates public defender programs in 10 Texas counties.

TRLA seeks a staff attorney to join its Domestic Violence/Family Law Team. Using trauma-informed methods, the staff attorney will represent survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. The ideal candidate will be fluent in Spanish and have experience working with survivors of trauma.

Follow this link to learn more.

Virginia Legal Aid Society (Suffolk, VA)

The Virginia Legal Aid Society (VLAS) provides information, advice, and representation in civil cases to low-income clients. One of its many projects, VLAS’s Domestic Violence Project provides legal assistance to low-income victims of domestic violence and stalking.

VLAS seeks an attorney to join its Domestic Violence Project team. The ideal candidate will have experience working with a civil legal aid organization and have knowledge about the dynamics of domestic violence.

Follow this link to learn more.

Tis the season to begin applying for federal honors programs. Honors programs are short-term commitments (typically two years) with a federal agency that provide training to new attorneys and often lead to a permanent position with the employing agency. These positions are often available only to 3Ls and judicial law clerks, although some programs also accept recent graduates and legal fellows.

Although it is not the only path to entry-level employment with the federal government, participating in an honors program is the most common way for new attorneys to work for a federal agency. To learn more about what your experience level says about you and your chances of working for a federal agency, check out PSJD’s newest resource Eligibility for Entry-Level Employment with the Federal Government.

As deadlines are fast approaching, today we’re focusing on honors programs with agencies currently accepting applications.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers works diligently to strengthen the nation’s security by building and maintaining military infrastructure and facilities in an environmentally sustainable way. The Office of the Chief Counsel operates throughout the nation and the world to play a critical role in the planning and execution of Corps projects.

The Office of the Chief Counsel’s Civilian Honors Program trains new attorneys in areas such as contract law, environmental law, fiscal law, litigation, real estate law, legislation, employment law, and more. Honors attorneys may be placed in one of 50 worldwide offices. The program is open to 3Ls, graduating LLM candidates, and judicial law clerks.

Follow this link to learn more.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) works to make markets work for consumers, providers and the economy as a whole. CFPB also protects consumers from unfair, deceptive, or abusive practices.

The CFPB Honors Attorney Program is a two-year program is hiring for its Office of Enforcement and Office of Supervision Policy where new attorneys will gain experience in litigation, enforcement, policy advising, and rulemaking.

Follow this link to learn more.

U.S. Copyright Office

The U.S. Copyright Office is responsible for administering copyright law and advising Congress on international intellectual property law. The Office assists on drafting legislation and legislative reports, prepares studies for Congress, and maintains a public record of registration claims.

The Barbara A. Ringer Copyright Honors Program is an 18- to 24-month paid legal fellowship that trains new attorneys in federal copyright law. Honors attorneys work in offices including the Office of the General Counsel and the Office of Policy and International Affairs. Applications are accepted from current 3Ls and attorneys with fewer than 5 years’ experience.

Follow this link to learn more.

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) strives to maintain stability and public confidence in the nation’s financial system. The FDIC achieves its goals by insuring deposits, examining and supervising financial institutions, and managing receiverships.

The FDIC’s Honors Attorney Program trains new attorneys in the legal side of nation’s financial system. Honors Attorneys participate in rulemakings, administrative hearings and meeting with international banking regulators.

Follow this link to learn more.

U.S. Department of Justice

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is the largest law office, employing more than 10,000 attorneys nationwide. The DOJ works in nearly every practice area to protect Americans and preserve constitutional freedoms.

The Attorney General’s Honors Program is the premier entry-level federal attorney recruitment program. Many divisions of the DOJ are participating in the Honors Program this year, including the Civil Rights Division, the Criminal Division, the FBI, the National Security Division, and the Executive Office for Immigration Review.

Follow this link to learn more.

U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Solicitor

The Office of the Solicitor (SOL) provides legal counsel for the U.S. Department of Labor. With approximately 550 attorneys, the SOL strives to ensure safe, healthy, and fair working conditions and opportunities for workers in America by enforcing and interpreting more than 150 labor and employment laws.

Honors attorneys spend their time litigating various cases in federal courts and administrative courts. Honors attorneys also gain experience in federal rulemaking and policymaking.

Follow this link to learn more.

This week we’re talking about election protection and voting rights! With the presidential election this fall, voting is at the forefront of the peoples’ minds, and this is the year to be involved. Potential election fraud is a big topic of concern. And the opportunities described below give you the chance to help ensure a safe and fair election year.

FairVote (Washington, D.C.; Tacoma Park, MD)

FaireVote is a national, nonpartisan organization working to reform the electoral process to giver voters greater choice, a stronger voice, and a representative democracy that works for all Americans.

FairVote seeks law and policy interns to contribute legal writing, statutory analysis, social media outreach, and advocacy. Ideal candidates will be passionate about voting issues and structural election reform.

Follow this link to learn more. **Remote work may be a possibility.

Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law (National)

The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law strives for equal justice for all, particularly people and communities of color. Right now, the Lawyers’ Committee is focusing its efforts on protection the Census, USPS, and the 2020 Presidential Election.

The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law seeks volunteers for its Election Protection Hotline. The Election Project project is the largest national nonpartisan voter protection coalition. Volunteers from all walks of life are encouraged to apply.

Follow this link to learn more. **Remote work opportunity.

Lawyers for Civil Rights (Massachusetts)

Lawyers for Civil Rights is a Boston-based organization representing clients across Massachusetts to foster equal opportunity and fight discrimination. Their work focuses on nine impact areas: community economic development, education, employment, race and climate justice, health disparities, fair housing, voting rights, immigrant rights, and police accountability.

Lawyers for Civil Rights seeks volunteers from all experience levels to help protect the November election and maintain the integrity of our democracy.

Follow this link to learn more. **Remote work may be a possibility.

League of Women Voters (Washington, D.C.)

The League of Women Votes of the United States is a nonpartisan membership organization working to empower citizens and ensure effective democracy.

The League seeks legal interns in their Advocacy and Litigation department. Interns will contribute legal writing and legislative analysis. Ideal candidates will be in their second or third year of law school and will be passionate about voting rights.

Follow this link to learn more.

Project Vote, Inc. (Washington , D.C.)

Project Vote is a national nonpartisan organization working to empower, educate, and mobilize low-income, minority, youth, and under-represented voters. Project Vote has helped register more than 5.6 million Americans.

Project Vote seeks interns to provide litigation and advocacy support as well as field expertise to ensure voter registration is accessible, effective, and enduring. Ideal candidates will be familiar with federal voting legislation and be fluent in Spanish.

Follow this link to learn more.

NALP aims to be the premier resource for information on legal employment and recruiting in the United States and Canada. We produce a variety of research reports, including Jobs & JDs, our Associate Salary Survey, and our Public Service Attorney Salary Report. NALP produces the Public Service Attorney Salary Report, the piece of NALP research most relevant to PSJD’s audience, every four years. We released our most recent version of the Salary Report in 2018, when we also integrated that report into PSJD as a series of interactive visualizations and made it free to access for all PSJD jobseekers. (Actually, the 2014 report data is also free to access via PSJD as well, so that users can make comparisons and see how salaries have changed over time; the whole report is well worth a look if you haven’t already taken the time to check it out.)

But although the Salary Report is available to jobseekers on PSJD via the site’s Resource Center, the PSJD Fellow and I speak regularly with jobseekers who ask us whether NALP has any information we can share about public service salaries. So we took some time and asked ourselves whether we could do anything to make this information easier to find and easier to use. I’m writing this blog post because, as it turns out, there was!

Beginning today, all of PSJD’s users who have access to the Public Service Attorney Salary Report (school administrators, jobseekers, and employers who have purchased access to the report or who have complimentary access because they contributed to our dataset when we conducted the Salary Survey back in 2018) should begin seeing relevant data excerpted from the report alongside job announcements as they browse PSJD. (Employers cannot browse PSJD job announcements generally, but if they have access to the salary report they will see salary graphs alongside their own job announcements.)

Here are a couple of examples of how this works. This is a job with a civil legal aid organization, located in Philadelphia PA. The relevant portion of the Public Service Attorney Salary Report is the section that discusses salaries with civil legal aid organizations in the Northeast US Census Region (the introduction of the report discusses how states are divided geographically). So in the sidebar, users will see a graph of median salaries in this region for attorneys at organizations of this type, drawn from the dataset for the 2018 Public Service Attorney Salary Report.

If a job announcement describes a position available in multiple locations, the salary visualization may describe multiple regions. This job announcement discusses a position with a public interest nonprofit which is available in New York NY, Oakland CA, and Boston MA. Because the position is available in locations within both the Northeast US Census Region and the West US Census Region, users will see a graph including median salaries for attorneys with such organizations in both regions, drawn from the 2018 Public Service Attorney Salary Report.

So that’s the basic idea. When we have relevant information about salaries that might help you as you browse PSJD’s jobs database, we’ll do our best to provide it to you–no need to go hunting to find out what we have. There are a few provisos worth keeping in mind:

• Jobs that are classified as “unpaid” or “pro bono” have no relevant salary information and will not have salary graphs.
  This limitation is pretty straightforward. If a job expressly says it is unpaid, there’s no need to compare it against salary information.
• Jobs with organizations that are not covered by the 2018 Public Service Attorney Salary Report’s categories will not have salary graphs.
  The 2018 Public Service Attorney Salary Report covers four organization types: (1) civil legal services organizations, (2) public defender offices, (3) local prosecuting attorney offices, and (4) public interest organizations with issue-specific missions. In the PSJD Jobs Database, these sections correspond to our organization types ‘Civil Legal Aid’, ‘Public Defender’s Office’, ‘Prosecutor’s Office’, and ‘Public Interest Nonprofit’. Job announcements with these employer types will include these integrated salary graphs.

We hope that all makes sense, but if you have any questions about the new feature please feel free to reach out. We’d be happy to talk about it with you.

Yesterday, we revealed a new section of our Resource Center titled “Fighting Racism” to help jobseekers more easily locate jobs, internships, and pro bono opportunities to support the work of civil rights and criminal justice reform. One area that is sometimes overlooked as a racial justice issue is environmental justice. On the “Fighting Racism” page, you’ll see a category to help you find opportunities to work in environmental justice.

The environmental justice movement confronts the impact climate change and harmful environmental practices have on people. In particular, communities of color and low income communities are frequently chosen to house facilities that pollute the environment and these communities. In fact, the burden on these communities is so targeted that advocates for environmental justice call these practices “environmental racism.” (Refer to the NAACP and NRDC for more information.)

This week we’re highlighting internships working on environmental justice issues and with environmental justice organizations. More opportunities in this category (including attorney positions and pro bono work) can be found on the Fighting Racism resource page.

NOTE: You’ll notice that some of the internships described below cannot be found using the pre-built keyword search on the Fighting Racism resource page. However, these are jobs that speak to the same concerns but are not tagged with the “racial justice” practice area. So feel free to use the pre-built searches, but also keep your eyes peeled for more opportunities when you’re exploring PSJD.

Chesapeake Climate Action Network (Takoma Park, MD)

Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) is the first non-profit dedicated to fighting climate change in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. CCAN’s mission is to build the movement necessary to put the DMV region on the path to climate stability and to inspire change in other states, regions, and countries.

CCAN seeks an intern for the Fall semester to support their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the Chesapeake region. The ideal candidate will be eager to learn about grassroots organizing and be passionate about fighting the causes of climate change.

Follow this link to learn more.

Conservation Law Foundation (Boston, MA; Portland, ME; Concord, NH; Providence, RI; Montpelier, VT)

The Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) protects New England’s environment through legal, scientific, and market-driven strategies. CLF staff work closely with communities or color and disadvantaged communities who often suffer disproportionate impacts of environmental degradation.

CLF seeks interns throughout the New England region for both summer and academic year internships. Interns during both programs will work in one of four areas: clean air, clean energy, and climate change; clean water; ocean conservation; or transportation and environmental justice.

Follow this link to learn more about full-time summer internships.

Follow this link to learn more about part-time academic year internships.

Earthjustice (New York, NY)

Earthjustice is a national nonprofit environmental law organization advocating to protect people’s health, to preserve places and wildlife, to advance clean energy, and to combat climate change. The New York Office is currently working to address air and water quality, clean energy and transportation policies, and protections from toxic substances.

The New York Office seeks full-time legal interns for the fall semester to support litigation and advocacy projects. Ideal candidates will be committed to environmental justice and have significant knowledge of environmental law.

Follow this link to learn more. **Remote work may be a possibility.

Environmental Defense Fund (Washington, DC)

The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) is a national organization using science, economics, and law to develop solutions to today’s environmental problems. EDF’s work currently focuses on transportation, air quality, and the global atmosphere; water resources; toxic chemicals; solid waste; and wildlife and wild habitats.

EDF’s U.S. Clean Air Team seeks legal interns for next summer to support projects related to climate change, air quality, and energy. Interns will have the opportunity to work on litigation and legislative efforts. Ideal candidates will have an interest in climate and air quality issues at regional, national, and international levels.

Follow this link to learn more.

Hello jobseekers! This week we’re featuring post-grad fellowship opportunities focusing on racial justice issues in various legal areas including education, employer, civil rights, prisoners’ rights, criminal defense, and the rights of survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Each of these opportunities are project-based fellowships, which will require a separate application to at least one potential funding source, with the help of the host organization.

ACLU Foundation of San Diego & Imperial Counties (San Diego, CA)

The ACLU Foundation of San Diego & Imperial Counties (ACLUF-SDIC) works to advance equality, freedom, and justice along the California-Mexico border. The ACLUF-SDIC achieves its goals through litigation, policy advocacy, public educaiton, and community organizing.

The ACLUF-SDIC seeks fellow applicants to work on projects addressing racial disparities in public education and disciplinary practices in schools. The ideal candidate will have excellent legal analysis, research, and writing skills and have a dedicated commitment to diversity and the promotion of civil rights and civil liberties.

Follow this link to learn more.

District of Kansas Federal Public Defender (Kansas City, KS)

The Federal Public Defender for the District of Kansas represents indigent persons charged with federal crimes.

The Federal Public Defender seeks to host a fellow interested in criminal justice reform. As its clients are disproportionately people of color, the ideal candidate will strive to educate themselves race, culture, and the need for institutional reform and systemic change.

Follow this link to learn more.

Georgia Resource Center (Atlanta, GA)

The Georgia Resource Center (GRC) represents people facing death sentences in Georgia state and federal courts. As Georgia is only one of two states that does not provide counsel for death row inmates in post-conviction proceedings, GRC was created to provide attorneys to all death row inmates in habeas corpus proceedings.

GRC seeks to sponsor a fellow on a project to address racial disparities in the capital punishment systems. Along with accomplishing the goals of the project, the fellow will be expected to be involved in all stages of litigation. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to indigent defense and to raising awareness of the impact of racial bias on the criminal legal system.

Follow this link to learn more.

Just Futures Law (Canton, MA)

Just Futures Law (JFL) is a women of color-led immigration legal project that combines activism, community organization, and litigation to disrupt and dismantle the U.S. deportation and mass incarceration systems.

JFL seeks to host a fellow interested in advancing a project centered in one of JFL’s priority areas: disrupting the role of surveillance technology in immigration policing; challenging activist retaliation; gang policy accountability; and combatting ICE and local police collaboration.

Follow this link to learn more.

Los Angeles Center for Law and Justice (Los Angeles, CA)

The Los Angeles Center for Law and Justice (LACLJ)’s goal is create a strong community where families are safe, stable, and free from injustice. LACLJ strives to achieve this goal by providing holistic, trauma-informed services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and empowering survivors to take control of their own futures.

LACLJ seeks a fellow to work on a project to provide legal services to survivors at the intersection of domestic abuse and sexual assault racial justice issues. The ideal candidate will have experience working with victims of sexual or gender-based violence.

Follow this link to learn more.

Rights Behind Bars (Washington, DC)

Rights Behind Bars (RBB) is a non-profit organization that represents incarcerated people in civil rights lawsuits and advocates for humane living conditions in prisons. RBB also assists incarcerated people advocate for themselves in pro se litigation as well as advances legal reform through government work and affirmative litigation.

RBB seeks to sponsor a fellow to support RBB’s appellate and affirmative litigation dockets. The ideal candidate will believe that all incarcerated people should be treated with humanity, care, and dignity.

Follow this link to learn more.

As a result of COVID-19, there is an increased need for services related to health, public benefits, and housing. To address these needs, this week’s edition highlights attorney positions with civil legal aid organizations. Some of the positions described below are temporary contracts.

Lawyers’ Committee for Better Housing, Inc.

The Lawyers’ Committee for Better Housing (LCBH) advocates on behalf of Chicago’s renters. LCBH’s work focuses on serving low-income and working-class families living in unassisted, private market housing.

LCBH seeks to hire temporary attorneys to represent Chicago renters facing eviction as a result of the pandemic. These attorneys will be expected to litigate on behalf of clients as well as coordinate with rental assistance and social service programs. Ideal candidates will have experience with litigation, particularly related to housing law.

Follow this link to learn more.

The Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, Inc.

The Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York (LASMNY) provides free counsel, advice, and legal representation to individuals across 13 counties of central New York. Services span legal areas of domestic violence, disability rights, elder law, housing, veterans rights, and much more.

LASMNY is hiring a staff attorney to work on its COVID-19 Project. This Project provides services to low-income residents impacted by COVID-19, focusing on legal matters related to employment, family, housing, public benefits, and more. The staff attorney will be ask to provide representation on all COVID-19 related civil legal matters as well as develop education materials to inform the public about COVID-related legal issues.

Follow this link to learn more.

The Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York

The Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York (LASNNY) provides free civil legal services to low-income residents of sixteen counties in northeastern New York. LASNNY’s services include programs which serve children, the eldery, those facing homelessness, victims of domestic violence, and those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.

LASNNY seeks housing attorneys to work in its Homelessness Prevention program. These attorneys will be expected to provide direct representation in eviction cases as well as coordinate with government and nonprofit agencies providing support services to individuals and families facing homelessness. The ideal candidates will have experience in housing law and be committed to helping low-income and disadvantaged individuals and communities.

Follow this link to learn more.

Legal Services of South Central Michigan

Legal Services of South Central Michigan (LSSCM) provides free civil legal services to low-income individuals and families in south central Michigan. These services focus on homelessness prevention, domestic violence and elder abuse prevention, and assistance in accessing health care, food, and needs-based income programs.

Due to the increased need for services resulting from COVID-19, LSSCM seeks to fill three contract attorney positions to address unemployment insurance, bankruptcy, and housing. The ideal candidates have experience in the respective legal areas and a demonstrated commitment to serving low-income individuals and underserved communities.

Follow this link to learn more.

Michigan Poverty Law Program

The Michigan Poverty Law Program (MPLP) provides state support services to local civil legal aid programs and poverty law advocates. MPLP achieves its goals by providing advocates with providing access to case consultation, counseling, and client referrals.

MPLP seeks a six-month Contract Attorney for COVID-19 related eviction prevention advocacy. This attorney will advise and represent tenants facing eviction statewide, and engage in support activities related to eviction prevention.

Follow this link to learn more.

From now on, we’re changing things up with this series! In an effort to highlight more opportunities, we will be briefly mentioning several new opportunities on PSJD. Each week, the positions highlighted will likely have a common theme, such as the same job type, hiring employer, or legal practice area.

To kick things off, we’re focusing on fall internships working on racial justice issues with five different organizations. Although these organizations are located across the country, most are hiring interns to work remotely!

American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana (New Orleans, LA)

The ACLU of Louisiana is devoted to the protection of civil rights and civil liberties from government abuse and overreach. The ACLU seeks fall externs to work on its newest initiative “Just Lab: Putting Racist Policing on Trial.” As a team member on this project, externs will process case intakes, draft complaints for litigation, and help implement the Initiative’s restorative justice platform.

Follow this link to learn more. **Remote work may be a possibility.

Shriver Center on Poverty Law (Chicago, IL)

The Shriver Center on Poverty Law litigates, advocates, and educates to promote economic and racial justice. Their work strives for a future free from racism, poverty, and the interlocking systems that fuel these inequities. The Shriver Center seeks legal interns to join the Advocacy Team. Interns will provide research and writing to support litigation and policy efforts.

Follow this link to learn more. **Remote work required.

Advancement Project (Washington, DC)

The mission of the Advancement Project is to eliminate structural racism and ensure power is given to people of color. Their work focuses on voting rights, immigrant justice, mass incarceration and policing, and the school-to-prison pipeline. The Advancement Project seeks interns committed to racial justice and civil rights issues. Interns will contribute research and writing to attorneys, organizations, and communications strategists.

Follow this link to learn more.

The Center for HIV Law and Policy (Brooklyn, NY)

The Center for HIV Law and Policy (CHLP) is a national resource and strategy center for people with HIV and their advocates. By providing high-quality legal and policy materials in an online database, CHLP supports and advances initiatives that are grounded in social justice, science, and public health. CHLP seeks legal interns to contribute legal research and writing to various projects including the Positive Justice Project, Teen SENSE, the Sexual Health Youth Advocacy Coalition, and the HIV Policy Resource Bank.

Follow this link to learn more. **Remote work may be a possibility.

Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth (Washington, DC)

The Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth (CFSY) is a coalition and clearinghouse that coordinates, develops, and supports efforts to implement fair and age-appropriate sentences for youth. CFSY seeks legal interns to support litigation and policy advocacy efforts. Interns will contribute research and writing on topics such as parole eligibility for youth, mitigating sentencing factors, and challenges presented in proposed state legislation.

Follow this link to learn more. **Remote work may be a possibility.

Project-Based Fellowships

The summer is the best time to begin searching for project-based fellowship opportunities. Project-based fellowships provide recent graduates with the chance to design a program to address an unmet legal need. Using funding from an external source, fellows partner with a host organization to implement their program. Because there is both a funding organization and a host organization, the process for securing a project-based fellowship requires separate applications to the host and funding organizations.

Skadden and Equal Justice Works are two of the largest national funding sources for project-based fellowships. And both are accepting project proposals!

Because both of these organizations have early fall deadlines, host organizations are seeking fellowship candidates now! This gives the host organizations time to find the right candidates and help you design a project proposal to submit for funding.

To look for organizations that are seeking to host and fund fellows for project-based fellowships, use this filtered search.

(NOTE: There are funding sources other than Equal Justice Works and Skadden, so be on the lookout for those as well!)

In the Resource Center, you can also use the Fellowship Calendar to browse project-based fellowship opportunities in a calendar view, sorted by either post date or application deadline. Click here for a filtered view of the calendar.