2027 Legal Fellow – Call for Fellowship Proposals

Overview

A national nonprofit organization focused on advancing justice for children and youth, especially those marginalized by society, is seeking fellowship applicants for positions beginning in fall 2027. The organization has a 50-year history of partnering with young people, families, and communities to dismantle racism, discrimination, and inequity. The work addresses the interconnected systems affecting youth well-being, including family stability, community resources, and access to opportunities.

Position

The organization is sponsoring applicants for public interest fellowships such as Skadden and Equal Justice Works. Fellowship projects may focus on one or both of the following areas:

• General Litigation: This may include civil rights, youth justice, equitable education, youth healthcare access, prevention of harms from the family regulation system, access to core public benefits, and other priority areas.
• Rights of Immigrant Youth: Projects aimed at protecting and advancing the rights of children detained in federal immigration custody.

Campaign strategies include impact litigation, legislative and policy advocacy, coalition building, and capacity building for community-based organizations.

Candidates should propose a specific fellowship project in their cover letter, though full details are not required at application. The organization will collaborate with fellows to develop project proposals.

For General Litigation, priority is given to projects that:

• Challenge federal policy changes harmful to children and youth.
• Defend or advance core state and federal constitutional rights of children and youth.
• Defend against litigation expanding Supreme Court rulings to curtail youth rights.

For immigrant youth rights, priority is on projects protecting children in federal immigration detention.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with staff to develop a fellowship project advancing justice for children and youth facing systemic barriers.
• Apply to public interest fellowships with organizational sponsorship.
• Upon award, join as a fellow starting September 2027.
• Implement the fellowship project under staff supervision.
• Participate in organizational and team meetings and retreats.
• Assist with intake requests.
• Conduct legal research and writing as needed.

Qualifications

• Graduating from law school in Spring 2027 or having served as a law clerk since graduating within the prior year.
• Interest in one or more of the organization's focus areas.
• Commitment to advancing justice for children and youth and improving related systems.
• Dedication to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting and computer work.
• Ability to work remotely with some travel required.

Compensation and Benefits

• Temporary, full-time, exempt position.
• Competitive annual salary of $78,221 (non-negotiable after offer).
• Geographic salary adjustments may apply for candidates residing outside Oakland, Los Angeles, Boston, New York City, Washington, DC, or equivalent metro areas.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life insurance, generous vacation and sick leave, flexible spending accounts, commuter benefits, retirement plan contributions, and disability insurance.

Location and Employment Conditions

• The organization is registered to operate in California, Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Texas, Virginia, Washington DC, and Wisconsin.
• Registration in Minnesota and Washington State is pending.
• Candidates residing in states where the organization is not registered may experience a delayed start date until registration is complete.
• This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by the National Organization of Legal Services Workers (NOLSW); a collective bargaining agreement is anticipated.
• Fellowship employment is temporary and does not guarantee future employment.

Application Instructions

Applicants must submit the following:

• Cover letter (including a specific fellowship project proposal)
• Resume
• Writing sample (5-7 pages demonstrating analytical skills)
• Law school transcript

Applications must be submitted through the organization's designated application portal. Email and phone inquiries are not accepted.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The organization provides equal employment opportunities regardless of race, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, breastfeeding, national origin, age, abilities/disabilities, neurotypicality, socioeconomic status, veteran status, marital status, prior convictions, or any other protected classification under federal, state, or local law. Employment decisions are based solely on job-related factors.

Applicants with lived experience relevant to the practice areas are strongly encouraged to apply.