Martin Luther King, Jr Fellowship - Pennsylvania Utility Law Project

Overview

The organization is seeking a legal fellow for the 2026 Martin Luther King, Jr. Legal Fellowship (Pennsylvania-based, fully remote).

This fellowship is a structured two-year program for recent law school graduates. Fellows are assigned mentors and supervised by experienced attorneys, with the goal of supporting new lawyers pursuing long-term careers in public interest law.

Primary placement: Pennsylvania Utility Law Project (PULP). PULP provides information, assistance, and advice about residential utility and energy matters affecting low income consumers. Staff serve all of Pennsylvania and are based in Harrisburg, with remote work across the Commonwealth.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal and policy research.
• Provide legal advice and representation to individual consumers facing acute utility crisis through PULP’s utility hotline.
• Draft and/or review formal written comments advocating for and/or defending PULP’s clients’ positions in policy proceedings before the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission and other government agencies.
• Assist with large-scale litigation before the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.
• Advocate for PULP’s clients’ positions in meetings with utilities and administrative agencies.
• Provide technical assistance and case consultation to other attorneys and advocates on matters impacting access to energy and water services.
• Assist with developing and presenting educational training for a variety of audiences.

Position Summary

This fellow will work on a mix of individual client matters, statewide and regional energy and water policy, impact litigation before the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, and community education.

A primary substantive focus is to support PULP’s expanded focus on establishing equitable data center policies that prevent cost-shifting to low income households.

The fellow will also participate in training and activities associated with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Fellowship and Internship Program.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Art or Science from an accredited college or university.
• Juris Doctorate from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.
• Admission to the practice of law in Pennsylvania or eligibility to become a member of the Pennsylvania state bar within 4 months of hire.
• Demonstrated commitment to achieving justice for low income Pennsylvanians.

Preferred Qualifications

• Lived experience with utility insecurity.
• Prior experience with legal aid / law school clinic, legislative advocacy, administrative advocacy, social services, or housing.
• Fluency in writing and speaking a language other than English.

Other Qualifications

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Close attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse, fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate complicated concepts with a range of people and audiences.
• Computer literacy, including web-based applications, email, and word processing.
• A valid driver’s license or access to alternative means of reliable transportation.
• Strong interest in working in public interest law in Pennsylvania.

Location

Pennsylvania-based and fully remote. Travel to Harrisburg for in-person staff meetings 2–3 times per year, plus occasional in-person meetings, hearings, and trainings.

Remote workers are provided with standard office equipment, but must maintain a separate office space and secure, high-speed internet. Those who wish to work in-person from the Harrisburg office will have the option to do so.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary is dependent on experience.

• Estimated starting salary: $60,000 without a Pennsylvania bar license (increases upon bar passage).
• Salary range for licensed attorneys with 1–2 years’ experience: $65,000–$72,000.

Benefits include:

• Full healthcare
• Dental coverage
• Retirement contributions
• Generous paid leave

Loan repayment assistance (LRA) is available. Fellows must first apply for LRA through the PA Bar Foundation IOLTA Loan Repayment Program, their law school, and/or the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) to receive PLAN LRA. The 2026–27 PA Bar Foundation IOLTA Program application is expected to open in early September 2026.

Application Information

Submit the following materials:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Three professional references (references must identify their relationship to the applicant)
• Official law school transcript
• Writing sample (limit 15 pages)

The cover letter should explain interest in public interest law, including interest in working with PULP specifically, and how the applicant’s unique background and/or experiences might contribute to the diversity, cultural vitality, and perspective of the staff and legal services practice.

Applications must be received by email only and will be accepted until the position is filled. Preference will be given to candidates who apply by Friday, September 4, 2026.

The employer strongly discourages the use of AI in application materials, including the cover letter and writing sample. Applicants must submit materials that are their own, and misrepresentation of originality may result in declining to interview or rescinding a fellowship offer.

Equal Opportunity

Equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, without regard to race, color, religious creed, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, military service or status, veteran status, marital status, parenthood, political affiliation or beliefs, or any other factors unrelated to the skills and qualifications for the position.