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.
We’re back and advertising an upcoming opportunity with NALP! The PSJD Fellowship offers a recent law school grad the chance to gain familiarity with the legal job market and make connections with public interest practitioners, law school career advisors, and NALP staff and members.
The Organization
The National Association for Law Placement (NALP) is an association of over 2,500 legal career professionals who advise law students, lawyers, law offices, and law schools in North America and beyond. NALP believes in fairness, facts and the power of a diverse community. NALP staff work every day to be the best career services, recruitment, and professional development organization in the world because they want the lawyers and law students they serve to have an ethical recruiting system, employment data they can trust, and expert advisers to guide and support them in every stage of their careers.
A NALP initiative, PSJD is a unique online clearinghouse for law students and lawyers to connect with public interest job listings and career-building resources. As a collaborative project among over 200 American and Canadian law schools, PSJD is a free resource for law students and alumni of our subscriber schools to search among thousands of public interest job opportunities and employer profiles. Public service employer organizations may also post job opportunities for free. In addition to its database, PSJD offers an online library of educational and career-building resources for those interested in pursuing a career in public service. These resources are publicly available to all website visitors.
The Position
The PSJD Fellowship is a one-year commitment to help promote and grow PSJD.org. The Fellow is responsible for engaging with jobseekers, law school subscribers, and employers; recruitment, training, and managing the PSJD data entry team; and supporting the Director of Public Service Initiatives, the PSJD Advisory Group, and the NALP Public Service Section. Because NALP takes professional development so seriously, the PSJD Fellow will have time (and be encouraged) to build relationships with public service employers through daily tasks, public appearances, and pro bono work.
The ideal candidate will graduate by August 2021 and have a demonstrated commitment to public interest work. The candidate will also be proficient in oral and written communication for a variety of audiences, be familiar with social media conventions, and be adept at independent and focused work that often involves juggling multiple tasks at once.
Read the full post on PSJD: https://www.psjd.org/job?oppid=90561&
This week we’re taking a look at attorney positions that involve litigation against the government and policy work to create big change in the laws meant to protect us. The opportunities featured span different legal areas to demonstrate the breadth of work being done by public interest groups in our country.
Campaign Legal Center (Washington, DC)
Campaign Legal Center (CLC) is a national nonprofit dedicated to the promotion of Americans’ right to participate in the democratic process. At its core, CLC believes democracy should be transparent, accountable, and inclusive. To achieve its goals, CLC litigates, advocates politically, and communicates to help create a government that is responsive to the people.
CLC seeks to hire Senior Legal Counsel to contribute to its litigation team. The litigation department fights to enforce federal and state campaign finance laws, to protect the fundamental right to vote, to challenge discriminatory redistricting plans, and to ensure compliance with government ethics laws. The ideal candidate will have experience litigating in state and federal courts and have a demonstrated commitment to CLC’s mission and values.
Democracy Forward works to expose corruption in the Executive Branch and to empower the people to fight back. Combining litigation, research, and policy advocacy, Democracy Forward challenges government action and educates the public about improper government activity.
Democracy Forward seeks a Litigator to join the fight. The Litigator will help identify strategic cases and be expected to engage in all stages of the litigation process. The ideal candidate will have experience litigating on behalf of or against the federal government, particularly the Executive Branch.
Everytown for Gun Safety (Everytown) is the nation’s largest organization advocating for the prevention of gun violence. They work tirelessly to push for stronger gun laws at the federal, state, and local levels. Everytown achieves its goals by partnering with like-minded politicians, representing survivors of gun violence in court, educating the public, empowering survivors, and of course, advocating for policy change.
Everytown seeks Policy Counsel to join its legal team working to reduce gun violence by improving gun-related laws and regulations. Policy Counsel will be expected to contribute to the development of a multi-state policy strategy. The ideal candidate will have a strong work ethic, be an excellent team-player, and be deeply committed to reducing and preventing gun violence.
Southern Environmental Law Center (Washington, DC)
The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) is a regional nonprofit dedicated to informing, implementing, and enforcing environmental laws and policies. With nine offices throughout the Southeast region, SELC works to protect the region’s natural resources as well as the health and well-being of its people. Although the organization’s focus is the Southeast region, SELC’s work often has a national impact.
SELC seeks a Federal Regulatory Director to join its Government Relations team in D.C. The team collaborates with Congress and federal agencies to advocate for laws and policies that enhance environmental protection. The Director will be expected to contribute their expertise and professional connections to promote SELC’s voice among environmental advocates. The ideal candidate will have experience with federal regulatory decision-making and an existing network of contacts with federal agencies.
Texas Fair Defense Project works collaboratively with Texans, community organizations, and public officials to improve the fairness of Texas criminal justice system. Rather than contribute to modern-day debtors’ prisons, Texas Fair Defense Project promotes community care and longevity.
Texas Fair Defense Project seeks a Managing Attorney of Litigation to develop and implement a strategic vision for the organization’s litigation program. The ideal candidate will be innovative and have a deep understanding of the intersecting ways the criminal legal system targets people based on race, income, and ability. Moreover, the ideal candidate will be eager to find creative ways to challenge and disrupt that system.
This week we’re featuring school administrator positions to honor our subscribing schools and those who work tirelessly to help law students and alumni achiever their career goals. PSJD relies on the support and contributions of our subscribing schools and school administrators to provide our users with a robust and meaningful service.
The featured positions do not include professors or clinical instructors who are equally as important to the development of successful lawyers. If you are interested in discovering more academic positions available on PSJD, use this filtered search link.
Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law (Indianapolis, IN)
Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law seeks an Assistant Dean for Professional Development and Pro Bono Program. The Assistant Dean will act as the school’s Employer Relations Leader responsible for implementing employer and alumni outreach programs to bolster the office’s employers network for its students and alumni. The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years’ of legal career services experience as well as excellent communication and organization skills.
Northwestern University School of Law (Chicago, IL)
Northwestern University School of Law seeks an Assistant Director of Legal Careers to help support and counsel the next generation of attorneys. The Assistant Director will counsel students, foster relationships with legal employers, and develop programs and resources to prepare students for their legal job search. The ideal candidate will be creative and have experience with legal recruitment or professional development.
St. John’s University School of Law seeks a Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to lead the Law School’s anti-racism initiatives. The Director will be responsible for ensuring an inclusive learning environment and an atmosphere of equitable treatment for all students. The ideal candidate will have a commitment to and experience with developing diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
University of California, Irvine School of Law (Irvine, CA)
The University of California, Irvine School of Law seeks an Assistant Director of Career Development to provide students with counseling and career education on public interest careers. The Assistant Director will be responsible for coordinating employment opportunities for students with public interest organizations and government offices. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of career development strategies and experience in legal hiring and education.
After a long hiatus, we’re back with exciting summer internship opportunities! Some of these of positions are remote and others are in-person, so be sure to read all ads carefully before applying.
This week we’ll be highlighting paid internship opportunities. For a full list of paid internships opportunities, check out this filtered search of the database. (This list also includes full-time paralegal positions.)
However, if you secure an unpaid opportunity and our looking for a way to fund your summer, be sure to explore our Summer Funding resource. This resource was recently updated, but always do your due diligence before applying.
Governing for Impact (Washington, D.C.)
Governing for Impact works to prepare the U.S. Administration for transformative governance through the development of state and federal policy proposals that focus on weakening corporate interests and promoting the political and economic power of working Americans.
Governing for Impact seeks summer policy interns to help development progressive regulatory proposals. Interns will conduct research and outreach to prepare their proposals. Ideal candidates will have excellent research skills and be interested in legislative drafting.
Follow this link to learn more. **This position will be conducted remotely.
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA)
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA) is a nonprofit law firm dedicated to advancing the rights of the most underserved. With more than 150 employees, LAFLA provides free civil legal aid services, domestic violence clinics, and courthouse self-help centers, and engages in impact litigation to improve the Greater Los Angeles community.
LAFLA’s Summer Law Clerk Program is a full-time internship program providing law students with hands-on civil legal aid experience. For the 2021 Program, LAFLA has graciously initiated two funding programs for its law clerks: the LAGLA Equity and Inclusion Fellowship Program and the 2021 Summer Law Clerk Stipend. These funding programs are meant to empower students law students and recognize the invaluable contributions of LAFLA law clerks.
The Oklahoma Access to Justice Foundation works to increase access to the civil justice system. The Foundation achieves its goals by increasing pro bono among Oklahoma attorneys, creating resource for self-represented litigants, and equipping legal services providers with resources.
The Oklahoma Access to Justice Foundation seeks a Civil Justice Policy Intern to collaborate with the Executive Director on research, strategy and outreach projects related to right-counsel efforts, rural legal access, and best practices for pro bono. Ideal candidates will be willing and able to work remotely.
Follow this link to learn more. **This position will be conducted remotely.
Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network (Harrisburg, PA)
Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network (PLAN) is a system of organizations providing civil legal aid to Pennsylvania residents. To its member organizations, PLAN provides leadership, funding, and support to improve the availability and quality of civil legal aid.
PLAN’s Martin Luther King Jr. Internship Program is a paid 10-week program that connects law students with organizations in the PLAN network. Ideal candidates are dedicated to social justice and providing services to low income communities.
Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid (TRLA) is the nation’s third largest legal aid organization providing free civil legal services to residents in 68 Southwest Texas counties. With more than 185 attorneys, TRLA serves about 23,000 clients each year.
TRLA seeks law students to staff their Telephone Access to Justice Project, an intake phone line for TRLA applicants. Ideal candidates will have completed 1L year and speak Spanish.
Securing internships during law school is competitive, but gaining work experience is crucial to building a successful career after graduation. To help build your resume with meaningful legal work experience, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP (Weil) offers the Legal Innovators Program for incoming law students from partner law schools.
Each year, up to 10 incoming law students defer their first year of school to participate in a paid public interest fellowship with a Weil partner nonprofit organization. Students not only engage in substantial work addressing social and legal challenges, but they also receive $50,000 in compensation for their work and a $10,000 scholarship for their first year of law school.
The Weil Legal Innovators Program is the perfect opportunity for incoming students to give back to their communities and bolster their resumes in preparation for their legal futures.
This week it’s difficult to focus on anything except anxiously monitoring news sources for updates in election results. Not only is this a once-in-a-lifetime presidential election, but the fate of the Senate is also a tight race.
The controlling parties of the House and Senate determine the future of U.S. law and policy. Regardless of which party wins, lobbying and legislative policy work are important to legal reform and the protection of individuals’ rights. So this week, we highlight legislative policy positions with organizations working on various legal issues.
As always, the positions highlighted are only a small portion of what can be found in our jobs database and in the job market. Policy positions can also be found with your federal, state, and local officials.
A Better Balance and Local Solutions Support Center (New York, NY)
A Better Balance (ABB) is a legal advocacy organization working to reshape laws and policies to fit the needs of the national workforce. ABB works on the frontlines at the federal, state, and local levels to promote workers’ rights as well as safe and healthy work environments.
The Local Solutions Support Center (LSSC) coordinates and creates efforts to counter the abuse of preemption and to strengthen local democracy. LSSC achieves its goals through nonpartisan strategies and tactics to educate public and policymakers about local policymaking authority and the abuse of state preemption.
ABB and LSSC have joined together to recruit Local Democracy Spring Fellows to help defend local democracy from the misuse of state preemption. Ideal candidates will be law students dedicated to local democracy and labor law. This position will be compensated and located in ABB’s office.
Follow this link to learn more. **Remote work may be a possibility.
California Labor Federation (Sacramento, CA)
The California Labor Federation is a statewide organization comprised of more than 1,200 unions representing 2.1 million union members in many industries. The Federation’s mission to be the voice for economic justice on behalf of California union workers.
The Federation seeks a Legislative Advocate to advocate of workers’ rights in California’s Capitol. The ideal candidate will have experience in legislative advocacy, particularly working on employment and labor issues.
Follow this link to learn more. **Remote work may be a possibility.
Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia (Washington, D.C.)
The Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia (Legal Aid DC) is D.C.’s oldest and largest civil legal services organization. Legal Aid DC provides direct representation, conducts outreach and education, and works to change laws and regulations to benefit low-income communities in D.C.
Legal Aid DC seeks a Policy Advocate/Attorney to advance racial justice and equity in D.C. The ideal candidate will be very organized and be able to work with a variety of partners including clients, policymakers, and agency staff.
Follow this link to learn more. **Remote work may be a possibility.
Mercy for Animals (Washington, D.C.)
Mercy for Animals is a farmed animal advocacy organization dedicated to creating a compassionate food system that reduces suffering and ends the exploitation of animals for food.
Mercy for Animals seeks a Senior Federal Policy Advisor to work on strategies to drive federal policy change to achieve the organization’s goals. The ideal candidate will have experience working with federal officials and a deep understanding of the federal policymaking processes.
Follow this link to learn more. **Remote work may be a possibility.
Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (Washington, D.C. and Sacramento, CA)
Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) is the nation’s leading non-profit Latino civil rights law firm. MALDEF promotes social change through advocacy, communications, community education, and litigation in the areas of education, employment, immigrant rights, and political access.
MALDEF seeks two Legislative Staff Attorneys to work with congressional representatives and community organizations to address legislation and administrative regulations that impact Latino communities. The ideal candidate will have experience in civil rights policy and law, and will have an awareness of national issues affecting the Latino community.
Follow this link to learn more about the position in Washington, D.C.
Follow this link to learn more about the position in Sacramento, CA.
News about spiking COVID-19 infection rates remind us that the pandemic is still a threat to our lives and communities. Many individuals and families continue to feel the socio-economic effects of the pandemic, so this week we’re presenting you with opportunities to provide relief to the populations most vulnerable to these effects. The legal aid organizations listed below have created programs and opportunities to address the growing needs of those affected by the pandemic.
American Civil Liberties Union (New York, NY)
The ACLU’s Criminal Law Reform Project (CLRP) is dedicated to finding a end to excessively harsh crime policies that result in mass incarceration and criminalization. CLRP also works to prevent over-incarceration through strategic litigation and advocacy that promotes reform.
The ACLU seeks a legal fellow to join the CLRP and litigate cases against correctional facilities for their mismanagement of the pandemic. The ideal candidate will be committed to criminal justice reform and have excellent communication skills.
Bay Area Legal Aid (BayLegal) provides civil legal services to the most vulnerable populations of the Bay Area. BayLegal’s services work in many legal areas including consumer protection, health care access, domestic violence and sexual assault prevention, immigration, housing preservation, and much more.
Bay Area Legal Aid seeks an Economic Justice Staff Attorney to provide services to families facing debt and homelessness as a result of the pandemic. The ideal candidate will be passionate about serving low-income individuals and will have experience with local, state, and federal benefits programs.
Follow this link to learn more. **Remote work may be a possibility.
Bread for the City (Washington, DC)
Bread for the City helps low-income residents of D.C. to develop the power to determine the future of their own communities. Bread for the City works had to uproot racism and combat poverty through advocacy and social and legal services.
Bread for the City seeks a Public Benefits Fellow to provide support to individuals and families facing terminations of benefits as a result of COVID-19. The Fellow will advise and represent clients experiencing problems with their local and federal benefits. The ideal candidate will be flexible, have a sense of humor, and be able to work independently and with a wide variety of people.
De Novo provides civil legal assistance and mental health counseling to low-income people and families in the Greater Boston and Cambridge areas. With its vast network of volunteers, De Novo combats the effects of poverty and helps clients cope with the emotional impact of trauma.
De Nova seeks a Lead Attorney to joins its new COVID Eviction Legal Help Project. This project was created in response to increased evictions after the Massachusetts state government lifted the eviction moratorium. The ideal candidate will have experience in litigation and landlord-tenant law.
The Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York (Albany, NY)
The Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York provides civil legal services to low-income communities and individuals. Their goal is to fight for fairness, justice, and dignity for all those living in poverty.
The Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York seeks a staff attorney to assist it’s Homelessness Prevention project as more families in the Capital Region of New York face homelessness as a result of the pandemic. The attorney will provide legal assistance, be involved in community efforts, and collaborate with government and nonprofit agencies to assist the homeless and at risk residents of the Capital Region. The ideal candidate will be dedicate to helping low-income communities overcome institutional barriers to basic needs and human rights.
South Coastal Counties Legal Services, Inc. (Fall River, MA)
South Coastal Counties Legal Services, Inc. (SCCLS) provides free civil legal assistant to low-income and elderly resident of Southeastern Massachusetts. SCCLS works in housing, public benefits, elder law, domestic relations, employment and much more. SCCLS staff not only represents and assists in legal matters, but they also sponsor community legal education and build relationships with community groups and organizations to serve clients.
SCCLS seeks a temporary staff attorney to join its COVID Eviction Legal Help Project. The attorney will represent clients facing eviction who are unable to navigate the courts due to age, health, and language barriers. The ideal candidate will have experience working with vulnerable populations and be fluent in a second language that reflects the communities of Southeastern Massachusetts.
The hearings for U.S. Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett reminded us that the future of healthcare is up for review one week after the November election. With that in mind, this week’s blog post showcases internships, fellowships, and post-grad positions working on health-related legal issues.
The positions chosen this week are only the tip of the iceberg of what the database holds. To explore more openings, follow this link for a filtered search.
Community Legal Services of Philadelphia (Philadelphia, PA)
Community Legal Services of Philadelphia (CLS) is a civil legal aid organization providing free legal services to low-income Philadelphians. CLS’s Health and Independence Unit represents individuals and families facing health and public benefits issues. CLS staff help clients navigate processes for obtaining or keeping public health care and public benefits as well as litigate on behalf of clients when organizations deny care to vulnerable populations or individuals.
CLS seeks a staff attorney to join the Health and Independence Unit. The ideal candidate will have experience working with diverse populations as well as have a commitment to helping low-income individuals and families.
Compassion & Choices (Portland, OR or Washington, D.C.)
Compassion & Choices is a national nonprofit dedicated to improving care and expanding choice at the end of life. Compassion & Choices’ chapters and members help patients face the end of life with facts and choices of action during a difficult time.
Compassion & Choices seeks Legislative Counsel to help advance medical outreach and education. The ideal candidate will have experience with public policy and knowledge of healthcare-related issues.
If/When/How: Lawyering for Reproductive Justice (Oakland, CA; Atlanta, GA; or Washington, D.C.)
If/When/How: Lawyering for Reproductive Justice transforms the law and policy landscape through advocacy, support, and organizing so all people have the power to determine if, when, and how to define, create, and sustain families with dignity and to actualize sexual and reproductive wellbeing on their own terms.
Each year If/When/How sponsors three fellows to work with placement organizations on HIV awareness and reproductive justice issues at the federal and state levels. Ideal candidates will have knowledge of public health and reproductive justice issues.
Follow this link to learn more. **Remote work may be a possibility.
Law Foundation of Silicon Valley (San Jose, CA)
The Law Foundation of Silicon Valley (Law Foundation) works hard to secure justice and protect human rights through legal advocacy, counseling, and access to the legal system. The Law Foundation’s Health/Mental Health Program provides free legal advice and representation to residents of Santa Clara County.
The Law Foundation seeks two staff attorneys and a directing attorney to join the Health/Mental Health Program. Ideal candidates will have experience with issues affecting individuals living with physical, mental, and development health disabilities.
National Alliance of State & Territorial AIDS Directors (Washington, D.C.)
National Alliance of State & Territorial AIDS Directors (NASTAD) is a non-partisan association representing public health officials who administer HIV and hepatitis programs nationally and internationally. NASTAD’s goal is to eradicate the epidemics of HIV, viral hepatitis, and related conditions.
NASTAD seeks a legal fellow to join its Health Systems Integration team. The ideal candidate will have experience with governmental public health programs and the ability to build and strengthen partnerships outside of the organization.
Planned Parenthood Federation of America (New York, NY or Washington, D.C.)
Planned Parenthood Federation of America is nation’s leading women’s health care provider, educator, and advocate, serving women, teens, and families. Planned Parenthood’s Public Policy Litigation and Law Department litigates in state and federal courts and advocates in Congress and state legislatures to promote reproductive rights.
The Law Department of Planned Parenthood seeks law students for spring externships in New York and Washington D.C. Ideal candidates will be interested in reproductive justice and health law as well as have excellent research and writing skills.
Events over the past four years and recent news about Breonna Taylor’s case have made it apparent that governments and government officials are not held accountable for all of their harmful actions. That’s why some public interest organizations focus their work on government accountability to help ensure that the rights and lives of American citizens and residents are protected and respected. This week we’re highlighting positions with organizations dedicated to holding governments and individuals accountable.
American Civil Liberties Union (Southern California and Louisiana)
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is one of the premier organizations working to improve the criminal justice system through impact litigation and policy reform.
The ACLU of Southern California seeks a Staff Attorney to join its criminal Justice Project in Los Angeles. The attorney will be expected to lend litigation support, advise on policy considerations, and conduct community outreach and education. The ideal candidate will have professional or personal experience with the criminal justice system.
The ACLU of Louisiana seeks a Policy Strategist to work on criminal justice reform as part of the Advocacy Department. The strategist will contribute to many campaigns including those advocating for an end to mass incarceration, racial equality in the criminal legal system, and an increase in transparency and accountability of local government officials working in the criminal justice system.
Democracy Forward is a non-profit organization dedicated to exposing corruption within the U.S. Executive Branch and holding federal officials accountable for their harmful actions and policies. Since its launch in 2017, Democracy Forward has filed more than 100 lawsuits challenging unlawful Executive Branch actions.
Democracy Forward seeks an experienced litigator to join its team. The ideal candidate will be familiar with litigation involving the Executive Branch and will be passionate about fighting government corruption.
Follow this link to learn more. **Remote work may be a possibility.
Fair and Just Prosecution (San Francisco, CA)
Fair and Just Prosecution works toward creating a more equitable, just system by bringing together newly elected local prosecutors to share information, research, and assistance. Through the community and resources provided, these prosecutors have the tools and support necessary to build new strategies to create a fair and just criminal legal system.
Fair and Just Prosecution seeks a Research and Policy Fellow to joins its staff. The fellow will provide research on strategies to reduce incarceration, promote diversion programs and bail reform, and much more. The ideal candidate will be committed to reforming prosecution systems and reimagining the role of prosecutive leaders.
Follow this link to learn more. **Remote work may be a possibility.
NYU School of Law, Policing Project (New York, NY)
The Policing Project at New York University School of Law is an educational organization that partners with communities and police units to advance public safety. Their goal is to promote public voice in setting policing policies before the police act. The Policing Project also regulates policing technology and develops methods for communities to address social problems without police intervention.
The Policing Project seeks a Senior Staff Attorney to manage and assist in the Project’s legislative work. The ideal candidate will have experience with legislative drafting and be passionate about racial justice and criminal procedure.
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