Martin Luther King, Jr Fellowship - Pennsylvania Utility Law Project

Overview

A statewide legal services organization is seeking a legal fellow for the 2026 Martin Luther King, Jr. Legal Fellowship.

This is a two-year fellowship program established in 2004 that offers recent law school graduates an opportunity to pursue a career in legal services through structured fellowship work. Fellows are assigned mentors and supervised by experienced attorneys, with the goal of supporting long-term careers in public interest law.

Responsibilities

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

Primary substantive focus includes supporting expanded efforts related to establishing equitable data center policies that prevent cost-shifting to low income households.

Additional responsibilities may include:

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

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, and 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.

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.
• Option to work in-person from a Harrisburg office is available for those who want it.

Equal Opportunity

This role is an Equal Opportunity position. 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.

Individuals of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Application Materials & Deadline

Applicants should submit:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Three professional references (must identify relationship with reference)
• Official law school transcript
• Writing sample (limit 15 pages)

Application guidance:

• Applicants should explain interest in public interest law (including interest in working with the utility-focused legal services work described above) and how their unique background and/or experiences contribute to diversity, cultural vitality, and perspective of the staff and legal services practice.
• The use of AI in application materials (including the cover letter and writing sample) is strongly discouraged. Strong writing skills are a required skill for this position.
• All application materials must be the applicant’s own. Misrepresentation of originality may result in decline to interview or rescind a fellowship offer.

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