External Post-Graduate Public Interest Fellowships

Post-Graduate Public Interest Fellowships

Post-graduate public interest fellowships are an excellent way to begin your career in public interest law. Many fellowships are project-based, where applicants partner with a non-profit organization and apply for external funding based on a specific proposed project. Others are funded directly by the organization with which the fellow will work. The fellowship application process primarily takes place during the 2L summer and 3L year but it is important to foster relationships with potential sponsors as early as your 1L year.

For more general information about potential fellowship opportunities visit:

Links to specific public interest fellowship funding opportunities:

2024 Fellowship Funding

 

2024 Post-Bar Organizational Fellowship Opportunities

2024 Project Based Public Interest Fellowships

Below is a partial list of some organizations who have hosted project based fellowships (eg. Skadden, EJW, Justice Catalyst, etc.) in the past. Some have a two step process - first you apply to the organization to be selected as a fellowship partner, then you apply to fellowships for funding. 2024 deadlines are bolded, you can use last year's deadlines as a guide. NOTE: Please check with the organization's website to confirm deadlines and application requirements. 

List of California Host Organizations (alphabetical by organization name)

For hosts in other states click here or scroll down 

Organization Location (CA) Deadline Fellowships Issue Area(s) Funded or Seeking
A New Way of Life Reentry Project Los Angeles   EJW Re-entry; Criminal Law
Accountability Counsel

San Francisco or Washington, DC

or Asia

Rolling EJW, Skadden, etc. Location determines issue area, see organization's webpage
ACLU Disability Rights Project San Francisco Rolling, priority consideration June 23, 2023 EJW, Skadden, etc. We invite Fellowship candidates who are interested in crafting fellowship proposals that focus on: 1) guardianship, alternatives to guardianship, and supported decision-making; or 2) the potential dangers of artificial intelligence and hidden algorithms for people with disabilities – including its use in child protective services and/or employment. Fellowship candidates may also suggest another project they wish to pursue with DRP.
ACLU Immigrant Rights Project San Francisco  Rolling, priority consideration June 15, 2022 EJW; Skadden While we will work with the applicant to adapt and tailor the project proposal as appropriate
ACLU of Northern California San Francisco Rolling EJW Civil Rights/Liberties
ACLU of Southern California Los Angeles on or before July 2, 2023 (for Skadden, EJW, Justice Catalyst or Soros); Rolling for other fellowships EJW; Skadden, Soros, others

Once ACLU SoCal selects its candidates, the organization will work with the candidates to craft a fellowship proposal and submit a joint application to the sponsoring school or organization.

ACLU SoCal will be pursuing fellowships to address some, or all, of the following areas:

  • Working with the Economic Justice and Criminal Justice Teams to fight against the criminalization of homelessness and protect indigent communities in Kern County and the Inland Empire.
  • Working with the Education Equity Team to challenge the school pushout of youth of color and the school-to-prison pipeline in the Inland Empire.
  • Working with the LGBTQ, Gender, and Reproductive Justice Team to challenge the surveillance and punishment of parents and children by the family policing (aka “child welfare”) system in Southern California.
ACLU Foundation of San Diego and Imperial Counties  San Diego  Rolling, preferred before June 15, 2021 Skadden, EJW, Soros Other Seeking a Legal Fellow to protect and advance immigrants' rights in San Diego and Imperial Counties
AIDS Legal Referral Panel San Francisco Rolling Skadden, EJW, Other Various
Al Otro Lado San Diego Rolling Skadden, EJW, Other Immigrant rights
Asian Americans Advancing Justice Los Angeles Rolling - due 4 months prior to fellowship funding application deadline Skadden, EJW, other ALC is seeking candidates who have innovative project ideas that relate to one or more of our legal program areas. The Legal Fellow will be an integral part of either the National Security and Civil Rights and Criminal Justice Reform program, the two programs currently soliciting fellows.
Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project Remote, location flexible Rolling EJW, Skadden, Justice Catalyst Immigration, Asylum
The Bail Project Los Angeles Rolling until filled Any Legal Support for Bail Operations, Advocacy Support to End Cash Bail
Bay Area Legal Aid Richmond On or before July 24, 2022 EJW, Skadden, others Homelessness intervention and prevention in the Bay Area
Bet Tzedek Legal Services  Los Angeles July 15, 2023 EJW; Skadden

Small Business Development Project

Eviction Defense Project

California Rural Legal Assistance Salinas July 19, 2019 EJW Environmental; Farmworkers; Immigration
California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation Sacramento; Santa Rosa   EJW; Skadden Farmworkers
CARECEN Los Angeles   EJW Immigrant Populations
Center for Gender & Refugee Studies San Francisco   EJW Immigration
Centro Legal de La Raza  Oakland July 27, 2023 EJW; Skadden; Justice Catalyst, etc. We invite law students to propose and collaboratively develop innovative fellowship proposals for submission to fellowship programs for the 2024 – 2026 cycle. If awarded the fellowship, the fellow will work with Securing Safety for Youth and Families legal staff to provide direct legal representation to recently arrived, non-detained unaccompanied minors and families, most of whom are seeking asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, or both.
Children’s Defense Fund Los Angeles N/A Skadden Youth/Children
Children's Law Center of California Monterey Park July 17, 2023 EJW; Skadden; Justice Catalyst, etc. CLC is specifically interested in projects that assist youth, young adults, and court involved families facing housing injustice and instability in the Los Angeles area, but will consider all applicants with a desire to work in one of our existing practice areas or locations.
Communities for a Better Environment Huntington Park, Richmond or remote September 25, 2022 EJW; Skadden; Other Environmental Justice
Community Legal Services in East Palo Alto Palo Alto   EJW Children/Youth
Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) Los Angeles August 3, 2020 Skadden, EJW, Soros, other Civil Rights or Immigrant Rights
Court Watch Los Angeles (National Lawyers Guild - LA) Culver City August 1, 2021 EJW; Skadden; Other Specifically, NLG-LA seeks a fellow to lead Court Watch Los Angeles, a volunteer-driven court observation program that monitors the region’s criminal court system and pursue their own related project
Disability Rights Advocates Berkeley or New York

Rolling/ July 6, 2022, Priority

EJW; Skadden Disability Rights
Disability Rights California

Sacramento

San Diego   

Los Angeles  or

Oakland

July 19, 2021 EJW; Skadden; Other

DRC invites proposals related to the work of our Advocacy and Community Engagement Practice Group

Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund Berkeley August 4, 2023 EJW or Skadden DREDF works intensively with prospective fellows to develop projects that address critical disability civil rights law issues. 
Earthjustice San Francisco Rolling until August 1, 2020 EJW; Skadden; Other Fossil Fuels Program
East Bay Community Law Center Berkeley Currently not hosting   Children; Youth
Equal Rights Advocates San Francisco Rolling until August 2, 2021, 5pm PST EJW; Skadden; other

 

Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project Los Angeles Rolling EJW; Skadden; Other Esperanza will prefer projects that address issues affecting immigrants in removal proceedings due to the current immigration policies.
Family Violence Appellate Project Oakland Reviewed on rolling basis until filled EJW, Skadden, others Domestic Violence Survivors
Homeboy Industries Los Angeles   Skadden Re-Entry; Expungement; Consumer Rights; Social Services
Human Rights First (Legal Fellow) Los Angeles or New York ASAP EJW, Skadden, others

asylum-related projects

Immigrant Defenders Law Center Los Angeles Rolling EJW; Skadden; Others Immigrant Defenders Law Center happily considers requests to host individuals for fellowships, where the projects align with our areas of expertise and the fellow is able to identify their own outside source of funding.
Immigration Institute of the Bay Area Various Bay Area locations Rolling EJW; Skadden; Others Immigration legal services, advice, and representation of low-income clients. IIBA will work with selected candidates to develop and submit proposals for fellowship funding.
Impact Fund Berkeley June 16, 2023 EJW; Skadden; Others Applicants should be prepared to describe one or more project ideas related to improving access to justice, public benefits, civil rights, or any social justice issue that has the potential to be addressed through impact litigation. The Impact Fund will assist in developing the idea into a fellowship proposal and help prepare fellowship applications as needed.
Inland Counties Legal Services Riverside July 15, 2021 EJW; Skadden; Others  
Inner City Law Center Los Angeles Rolling Skadden; EJW; AmeriCorps Homelessness
International Refugee Assistance Project Anywhere- Remote Rolling until July 1, 2023 Justice Catalyst Fellowship only Climate Justice Fellow:  advance an equitable legal framework and champion the rights of climate displaced people
Justice Action Center Remote Rolling Justice Catalyst, EJW, Skadden, other Applicants do not need to submit a final project proposal with this application
Kids in Need of Defense Los Angeles   EJW Immigrant Populations
Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area San Francisco Rolling EJW

LCCRSF is particularly interested in considering projects in the following areas: 

  • Economic Justice/Community Economic Development
  • Racial Justice
  • Immigrant Justice
  • Applicants are also welcome to suggest their own projects in the areas of racial, economic and/or immigrant justice.  
Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability  Fresno, Bakersfield, or Coachella Rolling EJW, Skadden, other We welcome applications from qualified individuals who are interested in working with us to develop a fellowship proposal relating to any of Leadership Counsel’s topical practice areas
Learning Rights Law Center Los Angeles   Skadden Youth; Special Education; Disability Rights
Legal Aid Association of California Oakland  Spring 2021 Skadden Legal Aid at Work seeks to protect and expand the rights of low-wage workers, utilizing an array of strategies including impact litigation, direct services, legislative advocacy, and policy work.
Legal Aid at Work San Francisco June 12, 2023 Skadden Applicants are encouraged to propose and discuss project ideas in the program area(s) that they have a strong and demonstrated interest in and which address the needs faced by Legal Aid at Work’s clients. LAAW is looking to sponsor candidates in these specific programs: Gender Equity & LGBTQ Rights; National Origin and Immigrants’ Rights; Racial Economic Justice; and Work and Family but project ideas within other LAAW programs are also welcomed.
Legal Aid of Sonoma County Santa Rosa July 26, 2021 Skadden, EJW, Other We seek a candidate willing to take on a project aimed at providing legal assistance to rural, hard to reach veterans. 
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles Los Angeles Rolling submit early as possible EJW; Skadden; Other Will consider proposals in any of their practice areas and looks favorably on proposals with a strong pro bono component
Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County Redwood City Rolling EJW; Skadden; Other Projects should focus on one of Legal Aid’s existing program areas: health, housing, public benefits, domestic violence, immigration, or education.
Legal Services for Children San Francisco July 19, 2021 EJW; Skadden Children/Youth, Issues arising from dependency practice
Legal Services of Northern California  Auburn, Chico, Eureka, Redding, Sacramento, Woodland, Ukiah or Vallejo July 15, 2019 EJW: Skadden; Other Service to low-income clients, particularly underserved populations
Los Angeles Center for Law and Justice Los Angeles No later than 2 months prior to fellowship application deadline EJW interested in developing fellowship projects that enhance and complement LACLJ’s existing practice areas, including immigration and family law
Los Angeles LGBT Center Los Angeles   EJW Immigrant Populations
MALDEF Los Angeles; Sacramento     Civil Rights
Mental Health Advocacy Services, Inc. Los Angeles No Date/ASAP EJW; Skadden; Others  
National Center for Lesbian Rights San Francisco   EJW LGBTQ Rights
National Center for Youth Law Oakland June 24, 2022 EJW; Skadden; Soros; Other Education, Child Welfare, Juvenile Justice, Health, Mental Health, Commercial Sexual Exploitation, and Immigration
National Day Laborer Organizing Network Los Angeles   EJW Labor; Employment; Immigration
National Health Law Program Los Angeles (or DC) August 1, 2020 EJW Health
National Housing Law Project San Francisco July 16, 2021 EJW; Skadden; Other Housing Issues
National Immigrant Justice Center San Diego (or Chicago) Rolling, August 10, 2022 Priority EJW; Skadden; Other NIJC will work with candidates to develop proposals for submission, helping tailor proposals to address important immigration rights issues.
National Immigration Law Center Los Angeles Late Spring/Early Summer of the year prior to the fellowship start EJW; Skadden; etc. Immigrant Populations
Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County  Pacoima/Los Angeles Rolling EJW Practice areas we support include housing, immigration, family law, health, clean slate/re-entry, school discipline, public benefits, and Self-Help Legal Access Centers co-located in courthouses across LA County.
Pangea San Francisco or San Jose July 20, 2020 Skadden; EJW; others Immigrant representation, habeas litigation for immigrants
Partnership for Working Families San Francisco & Oakland August 14, 2020 Skadden; EJW; others Policy & Litigation for low-wage workers
Public Advocates San Francisco or Sacramento ASAP, no later than August 2, 2021 EJW; Skadden Metropolitan Equity Team
Public Counsel Los Angeles EJW/Skadden - July 1, 2023; others rolling EJW; Skadden; others

This year Public Counsel will consider fellowship proposals limited to those which fall within the scope of the following projects:

  • Center for Veterans Advancement – details coming soon
  • Consumer Rights & Economic Justice – details on fellowship here
  • Immigrants’ Rights – details on fellowship here
  • Women and Girls’ Rights – details on fellowship here

We do not have an application form separate from those used by the organizations that fund the fellowships. Students who are interested in a fellowship at Public Counsel should send their resume and a brief description of their proposed project directly to the Directing Attorney of the Public Counsel project you wish to work with. If you have a problem reaching the directing attorney or other questions, contact Executive Assistant Uzoamaka Ogbodo EMAIL HERE.

Public Interest Law Project Oakland July 27, 2018 EJW; Skadden, Soros; Other Poverty law, affordable housing, public benefits
Public Justice Foundation Oakland & Washington, DC June 15, 2023 EJW; Skadden; Others

We are particularly interested in hosting a Fellow whose project focuses on anti-trans harassment, discriminatory discipline based on race and/or gender, or other forms of race and/or LGBTQ discrimination, though we are open to project proposals outside this scope. 

Public Rights Project Oakland, New York, & Boston ASAP Justice Catalyst, Skadden, EJW, other High-impact affirmative litigation by state and local governments
Root & Rebound Oakland, Fresno, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Greenville South Carolina Rolling by August 15, 2021 EJW; Skadden; Soros; others Support and legal advocacy to people with arrest and conviction histories 
The San Francisco Wraparound Project

San Francisco

August 31, 2019 EJW In-House medical/legal needs: civil & criminal
Social Justice Collaborative

Berkeley

Rolling EJW, Skadden See website
Start Small Think Big, Inc.

Oakland, work may be performed remotely

August 12, 2021

EJW; Skadden; Others Open to discussing a range of possible project topics based on the candidate’s interests within the scope of Start Small’s areas of legal assistance and in alignment with our organizational values
Swords to Plowshares San Francisco (can be in-person, hybrid, or fully remote) July 11, 2022 Skadden; EJW; Justice Catalyst; etc Veterans; Applicants are encouraged to propose project ideas, though one is not required to apply. 
Transgender Law Center Oakland Rolling EJW Trans Issues; LGBTQ Rights
UCLA Voting Rights Project Los Angeles July 30, 2021 EJW, other Proposed projects can focus either on impact-litigation, public policy changes, and/or an integrated litigation and advocacy campaign. 
UnCommon Law  Oakland July 1, 2020 EJW; Skadden; Other Prisoner rights
Veterans Legal Institute  Tustin Rolling EJW; Skadden; Other Previous VLI EJW fellows have focused on preventing eviction, VA benefits appeals, assisting survivors of military sexual trauma, discharge upgrades, estate planning, bankruptcy, immigration and staffing legal clinics. 
Wage Justice Center Los Angeles Rolling Skadden; EJW Workers’ Rights
Western Center on Law & Poverty Los Angeles, Sacramento, Oakland June 15  reviewed on rolling basis Skadden, EJW, other Children and Youth access to Mental Health Services
Youth Law Center San Francisco June 21, 2021 EJW; Skadden; other Child welfare, juvenile justice advocacy

List of Host Organizations outside California (Listed by State)

Skip to: A C D F G H I K L M N O P R S T U V W

Organization Location Deadline Fellowships Issue Area(s) Funded
MULTI-STATE
 

 

   
A Better Balance

New York, NY

Nashville, TN

 

June 16, 2023 EJW; Skadden; others

NYC: paid family and medical leave laws, the fight to guarantee earned sick time to millions of workers across the country, pregnant workers fairness laws, which ensure that pregnant workers are not pushed out of their jobs when they need a modest accommodation to stay healthy, caregiver and lactation anti-discrimination laws, and fair workweek laws

Nashville: enforcement and education as well as working to pass paid family and medical leave, paid sick days, and other work/family justice laws across the Southeast and pushing back against policies that harm working families in the region including attacks on progressive local policies

ACLU Various States Priority deadline varies by state

 

EJW; Skadden; others Various
Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) Various Rolling

EJW; Skadden

Efforts to fill gaps in legal representation for asylum-seeking families
Earthjustice Alaska; New York, NY; Chicago, IL; New Orleans, LA; Washington,DC; Philadelphia,PA  Rolling until August 1, 2020

EJW; Skadden

 
LatinoJutice PRLDEF New York, NY Central Islip,NY Orlando, FL Rolling  EJW; Skadden; Other Criminal Justice Reform, Rights Restoration, Economic Justice Worker's Rights, School to Prison Pipeline
NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund

New York, NY

Washington, DC

July 2, 2021 EJW, Skadden, Other Education, Economic Justice, Criminal Justice, Voting Rights
National Association of Counsel for Children (Scroll to bottom of the staff page for listing) Denver, CO Washington,DC Atlanta, GA July 15, 2020

EJW; Skadden; Other

Children's rights
Native American Rights Fund Anchorage, AK Washington DC       Boulder, CO June 29, 2020

Skadden; others

NO EJW

Indian Law
Arizona
       
Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project Various cities, AZ June 25, 2021, 5pm pst

EJW, Skadden, Justice Catalyst, others

Border Advocacy, Children's Rights, Crimmigration, Detained Migrant Women (Cis & Transgender), Detained LGBTQ+ Migrants, Due Process Issues, Mental Health Advocacy

Colorado
       
Civil Rights Education and Enforcement Center (CREEC) Denver, CO Preferred deadline is June 1, 2021 - hard deadline is July 15, 2021

EJW, Skadden, Justice Catalyst, others

 
Native American Rights Fund Boulder, CO Skadden - June 30, 2023; Justice Catalyst/Berkeley Law Foundation/other - no later than 8 weeks prior to fellowship deadline Skadden, Justice Catalyst, Berkeley Law Foundation, others - NO EJW For the 2023 Skadden Fellowship application cycle, NARF seeks applicants with projects focused on (1) voting rights in Indian Country, (2) environmental and climate issues that impact tribal or traditional lands and waters, and (3) racial equity. Other project areas and ideas are welcome, but may not receive priority
The Powell Project Denver, CO ASAP Any funding  
Rocky Mountain Children's Law Center Denver, CO August 1, 2022 Skadden, EJW, other A successful candidate will be able to create a fellowship proposal rooted in their passion and experience, while also seeking to expand or enhance the Children’s Law Center’s existing work and mission.
Connecticut
       
Center for Children's Advocacy Hartford, CT August 1, 2020

EJW, Skadden, others

Immigrant Youth or LGBTQ+ Youth Advocacy
Delaware
       
Delaware Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. Wilmington, DE July 5, 2020

Skadden, EJW, Others

Public interest
Florida
       
LATINOJUSTICE PRLDEF Orlando, FL Rolling Any Proposals must fit within LJP's mission and current litigation priorities
Legal Services of Greater Miami, Inc. Miami, FL August 5, 2022 EJW; Skadden

 

Georgia
       
Georgia Resource Center Atlanta, GA Rolling/ August 8, 2022 Priority EJW; Justice Catalyst; others GRC is particularly interested in a project that focuses on providing post-conviction representation to people serving life-without-parole sentences (“LWOP”) in Georgia, which would expand the current work of GRC.
Southern Center for Human Rights Atlanta, GA July 10, 2020 EJW; Skadden criminal justice
Illinois
       
ACLU of Illinois Chicago, IL August 1 Priority EJW; Skadden; others We are currently accepting fellowship applications to support the development of litigation to enforce First Amendment rights in Illinois.  We are particularly concerned about First Amendment violations outside of the Chicago area, where individuals whose rights are violated might not feel empowered to speak up, especially when they are in a small minority or a group that is not organized in their area.
Ascend Justice Chicago, IL July 16, 2021 EJW; Skadden  
Chicago Coalition for the Homeless Chicago, IL October 30, 2020 EJW; Skadden; others Homeless advocacy
The Chicago Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Inc. Chicago, IL June 15, 2021 EJW; Skadden; others Hate crime, Housing Opportunity, education equity
Corporate Accountability Lab Chicago, IL Rolling Justice Catalyst, others Legal Fellows will assist CAL in pursuing international supply chain transparency, exploring innovative civil litigation ideas, and developing new strategies for human rights and environmental accountability across the globe.
Erie Neighborhood House Chicago, IL July 31, 2019 EJW; Skadden; Others Immigration
Illinois Prison Project Chicago, IL July 30, 2021 EJW Prison reform, criminal defense, human rights
Legal Action Chicago  Chicago, IL July 28, 2021 Skadden Not required to have a proposed project to apply
Legal Aid Chicago  Chicago, IL July 11, 2022 EJW or Skadden

Legal Aid Chicago particularly welcomes applications from candidates with interest and/or experience in the areas of reentry services and environmental justice

Life Span Chicago, IL Rolling EJW or Skadden  
North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic Highland Park, IL ASAP, no later than July 14, 2022 EJW; Skadden; Others  
Roderick & Solange MacArthur Justice Center - Trial Litigation Program Chicago, IL June 30, 2021 EJW, Open Society Foundations, Skadden, Other We welcome inquiries from individuals interested in pursuing projects across any of our Chicago trial program’s priority areas, which include issues of police misconduct, mass imprisonment, racial injustice, and the criminalization of poverty. 
Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law Chicago, IL June 14, 2019 EJW; Skadden; Others Immigrant access, Criminal Justice reform, Economic Justice
Kansas
       
ACLU Kansas Mission, KS Rolling, priority before July 5, 2021 Skadden, EJW, Soros, Justice Catalyst, others We welcome project applications relating to any of the ACLU of Kansas’s civil rights or civil liberties issue areas. Applicants should review our website for a better understanding of our work.
Louisiana
       
Louisiana Capital Assistance Center New Orleans, LA Rolling Skadden, EJW, Soros capital defense
Maryland
       
Centro de los Derechos del Migrante, Inc. Baltimore, MD August 15, 2023 EJW, Skadden, Justice Catalyst

worker rights, immigrant rights

We are especially interested in supporting fellowship applications that use a mix of legal and community-based tools to advance migrant justice. 

Homeless Persons Representation Project Baltimore, MD Rolling until July 18, 2018 EJW; Skadden; others medical legal partnership, homelessness
Tahirih Justice Center Baltimore, MD August 1, 2018 EJW; Skadden; others immigrant women, humanitarian immigration for women
Massachusetts
       
ACLU of Massachusetts Boston, MA Rolling no later than July 15, 2022 EJW; Skadden; others ACLUM welcomes applications on any significant issue involving civil rights or liberties.
Committee for Public Counsel Services Somerville, MA August 31, 2018 EJW; Skadden; others Criminal Justice, Public Defense, innocence litigation
Community Legal Aid Worcester, MA Rolling EJW; Skadden; others Civil rights, civil liberties
Conservation Law Foundation Boston, MA (or Montpelier, VT; Concord, NH; Portland, ME; or Providence, RI) Rolling until July 1 EJW: Skadden; others Environmental Advocacy
Greater Boston Legal Services Various, MA

ASAP

EJW; Skadden Various poverty law issues
Just Futures Law Canton, MA Rolling EJW, Skadden, others disrupting the role of surveillance tech in immigration policing, challenging activist retaliation, gang policy accountability, combating ICE & local police collaboration
New England Innocence Project Boston, MA July 25, 2018 EJW; Skadden; others Wrongful convictions

Project Citizenship

(Skadden Posting)

(EJW Posting)

Boston, MA No Date, ASAP EJW; Skadden Skadden project: Medical-Legal Partnership for immigrant population EJW project: Income fee waivers for naturalization

Rian Immigrant Center 

Boston, MA July 28, 2023 EJW; Skadden; others The fellowship project will aim to address an unmet need of Rian’s client population. Rian hopes to work collaboratively with the fellow to propose a project that meets one of our demonstrated needs, fits within the parameters of our immigration legal program and also appeals to the preferred interest area(s) of the fellow.
Michigan
       
ACLU of Michigan Detroit, MI July 18, 2022 Skadden, Sorros, EJW, Justic Catalyst, other We welcome applications with project proposals relating to any civil rights or civil liberties area. 
Center for Community-Based Enterprise Detriot, MI July 20, 2022 EJW; Skadden; Soros, others  
Mississippi
       
ACLU of Mississippi Jackson, MS Rolling EJW; Skadden; others We welcome project applications relating to any of the ACLU of Mississippi’s civil rights or civil liberties issue areas. Applicants should review our website for a better understanding of our work.
Missouri
       
Legal Services of Eastern Missouri St. Louis, MO August 11, 2018 EJW; Skadden Veterans, civil legal services
New Jersey
       
ACLU of New Jersey Newark, NJ Rolling EJW; Skadden; others We prefer to develop proposed projects that combine legal advocacy and impact litigation, policy advocacy, community outreach, and public education. 
         
New York
       
A Better Childhood New York, NY August 29, 2018 EJW; Skadden; others Children's rights, juvenile issues
Advocates for Children of New York, Inc. New York, NY Rolling until March 15, 2018 Skadden; EJW Education Advocacy
ACLU, Center for Liberty New York, NY Rolling/July 1, 2022 Priority EJW; Skadden; Justice Catalyst; others  
ACLU, Criminal Law Reform Project New York, NY Rolling/Priority June 9, 2023 EJW; Skadden; Justice Catalyst; others CLRP focuses primarily on the “front end” of criminal enforcement systems, such as policing, pretrial practices, and public defense.
ACLU Immigrant Rights Project New York, NY Rolling/Priority June 5, 2023 EJW; Skadden Using targeted impact litigation, advocacy and public outreach, the Project carries on the ACLU’s historic commitment to protecting the civil rights and civil liberties of immigrants.
ACLU, Legal Department New York, NY Rolling/July 31, 2022 Priority EJW; Skadden; others the Fellow will be focused on litigating state constitutional rights claims in state supreme courts.
ACLU, LGBTQ & HIV Project New York, NY Rolling/June 21, 2023 Priority

EJW; Skadden; others

focus on litigation challenging the current wave of anti-trans legislation that has swept the country.
ACLU, Reproductive Freedom Project New York, NY Rolling /June 26, 2023 Priority

EJW; Skadden; others

Reproductive rights
ACLU, Trone Center for Justice & Equality New York, NY Rolling/June 16, 2023 (priority) EJW; Skadden; others prospective fellows who are interested in combatting punitive government responses to mental illness and poverty.
ACLU, Voting Rights Project New York, NY Rolling/June 12, 2023 Priority EJW; Skadden; others Our staff will provide guidance to the selected fellowship candidate to develop their proposal for submission, helping tailor the proposal to address an important voting rights issue. Proposed projects for the Voting Rights Project should have an impact-litigation focus, but successful projects also frequently include an integrated advocacy approach (weaving in policy advocacy, public education, etc.)
ACLU, Women's Rights Project New York, NY Rolling/June 15, 2023 priority EJW; Skadden; others We are particularly interested in focusing on the ways in which blacklisting in the form of family regulation and policing limit women’s economic opportunities and autonomy. We also remain open to proposals on any gender justice topic about which you are passionate, particularly those focused on low-income women and girls and issues that disproportionately affect Black women and other women of color.
Brooklyn Defender Services New York, NY Rolling/July 31, 2020 (priority) EJW; Skadden; others Intersection of criminal law and public housing; trafficking and sex work; and post-conviction collateral consequences
The Center for HIV Law & Policy New York, NY Rolling Skadden, EJW, Soros, others HIV Law & Policy
Catholic Migration Services Brooklyn, NY Rolling through July 23, 2018 EJW; Skadden; others civil rights, immigration and refugee, policy
Center for Popular Democracy Brooklyn, NY Rolling through July 31, 2018 EJW; Skadden; others civil rights, education, environment, immigration, policy
Center for Reproductive Rights New York, NY Rolling until filled Skadden, EJW, Soros, others Reproductive rights, international human rights
The Door Manhattan June 30, 2023 Equal Justice Works, Skadden, Justice Catalyst, other The Door seeks proposals to provide direct legal services to our members and to create opportunities for youth empowerment and organizing. Projects may also incorporate systemic advocacy and impact litigation. We are open to discussing any strong proposal, but are particularly interested in fellowships focusing on immigration or holistic representation of the following populations of migrant youth: runaway and homeless youth, recent arrivals to NYC, youth in foster care, LGBTQ+ youth.
Human Rights First New York, NY ASAP for 2021 EJW; Skadden; others Asylum and Immigration
International Refugee Assistance Project New York, NY (preferred - but DC and remote will be considered) Open until filled, priority to apps submitted by July 7, 2023 EJW; Skadden; others Litigation, direct services, class action, civil rights, immigration, refugee
LATINOJUSTICE PRLDEF New York, NY Rolling Any Proposals must fit within LJP's mission and current litigation priorities
Legal Services NYC Bronx Branch Rolling Skadden Specifically, we are seeking fellowship applicants for a Skadden Fellowship for our Community Neighborhood Stabilization, Education, and LGBTQ Advocacy Projects.
Lenox Hill Neighborhood House  New York August 30, 2019 Skadden, EJW, Soros, others Eviction Prevention and Tenants' Rights
Make the Road New York Various, NY July 3, 2023 Skadden, EJW, Kirkland & Ellis, others MRNY seeks candidates interested in developing a strategic project in the field of workplace justice on behalf of underserved immigrants in the communities we serve. The project will be embedded in our workplace justice legal team and should closely align with the organizing priorities of our membership base. We welcome projects that will address new pressing legal issues facing low-wage immigrant workers and/or that target particularly vulnerable groups of workers in specific industries and sectors and/or geographical areas. We will also consider proposals for workers’ rights projects that seek to take advantage of specific legal strategies, including education and enforcement of new laws and/or new and innovative approaches to asserting workers’ claims.
NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund, Inc. New York, NY July 1, 2022 Skadden, EJW, others While candidates may suggest any fellowship project
National Advocates for Pregnant Women New York, NY June 20, 2023 Skadden; EJW; Soros; other The Law Fellow will design the project in conjunction with Pregnancy Justice’s staff attorneys and Acting Executive Director
National Center for Law and Economic Justice  New York, NY July 14, 2023 Skadden; EJW; Justice Catalyst, others

NCLEJ will work closely with selected applicants to develop project proposals and will provide support throughout the fellowship funding application cycle. Although NCLEJ welcomes new proposals for fellowship projects that fit within NCLEJ’s mission and areas of work, a project proposal is not required to apply for sponsorship. Some potential fellowship project areas may include:

  • Advocacy at the intersection of disability and workers’ rights to end the abusive working conditions of New York homecare workers and ensure quality care for consumers;
  • Advocacy to ensure access to public benefits in light of operational shifts by government agencies to remote operation and technology driven practices (data matching, multi-factor and biometric authentication, etc.);
  • Advocacy to challenge predatory and racially discriminatory policing, fines, and fees.
National Employment Law Project New York, NY Rolling no later than August 1, 2023 Skadden; EJW; Other NELP will work with fellow to develop a project that supports federal, state, and local policy and organizing campaigns seeking to promote good jobs and fair access to employment for underpaid and immigrant workforce. NELP is currently focused on a pilot project that promotes community and government collaborations to ensure labor protections.
New York Civil Liberties Union New York, NY June 16, 2023 Skadden, EJW, Soros, others we particularly encourage project proposals that focus on racial justice, criminal justice and police accountability, voting rights, gender equity, reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights, education equity, privacy and technology, economic justice, and environmental justice.
New York Lawyers for the Public Interest New York, NY Rolling, no later than July 26 Skadden; EJW; Other Health Justice, Disability Justice, and Environmental Justice
New York Legal Assistance Group New York, NY July 2, 2019 Skadden; EJW; Other Variety of areas of civil legal services law
TakeRoot Justice New York, NY Considered on a rolling basis until August 23, 2021 Skadden; EJW; Other  
Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund, Inc New York, NY/Remote Rolling Skadden; EJW; Other

Ability to conceptualize and implement a fellowship project that addresses an unmet legal need and aligns with TLDEF's mission and expertise.

Unlocal, Inc. New York, NY August 21, 2020 Skadden; EJW Immigration cases working with youth, families, LGBTQ+ immigrants
North Carolina
       
Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy Charlotte, NC Rolling EJW, Skadden, others Government benefits, Health Care Access, Consumer Protection, Immigration Law, Veterans' Benefits, Tax, other
Southern Coalition for Social Justice Duram, NC Review begins July 24, 2023, rolling thereafter EJW, Skadden, Justice Catalyst, others SCSJ particularly seeks candidates who are committed to the ideals of racial, social, and economic justice, are interested in working to advance these ideals across the South through creative advocacy, and are committed to learning how to become a civil rights lawyer within a community lawyering model. 
Ohio
       
Advocates for Basic Equality (ABLE)

Defiance, OH

Dayton, OH

Toledo, OH

July 22, 2022 Skadden, EJW, Others Candidates for fellowships are encouraged to develop and bring forward proposals for work in an area of poverty law 
CAIR - Ohio Cincinnati, OH July 15, 2021 Skadden, EJW, Others The sponsored fellow will collaborate with the CAIR-Ohio Legal Director and legal team to develop a fellowship project that will expand CAIR-Ohio’s work. CAIR-Ohio is seeking to develop projects related to immigration and racial justice
The Immigrant and Refugee Law Center (IRLC) Cincinnati, OH July 23, 2021 Skadden, EJW, Others seeking candidates that would be interested in putting forth proposals that advance our mission, with an emphasis on advocacy for Special Immigrant Juveniles and Victims of Human Trafficking. 
Legal Aid of Western Ohio, Inc. Toledo, OH ASAP, no later than July 22, 2022 Any Candidates for fellowships are encouraged to develop and bring forward proposals for work in an area of poverty law
Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati, Legal Aid Society of Southwest Ohio, LLC  Cincinnati, OH July 15, 2021 Skadden, etc Poverty law
Oregon
       
Innovation Law Lab Portland, OR August 2, 2019 Skadden, EJW, Others Immigration system issues: prolonged detention, constitutional violations, other
Pennsylvania
       
ACLU-PA Philadelphia, PA July 31, 2021 Skadden, EJW, Others Immigrant Rights
Community Legal Services, Inc. Philadelphia, PA June 21, 2021 Skadden, EJW, Others  
Education Law Center  Philadelphia, PA Rolling - preference if received by June 30, 2023 Skadden, EJW, Others

Potential projects under consideration include the following: • Challenge racialized and exclusionary discipline in public schools, including virtual exclusion, failure to provide due process, failure to consider qualifying disabilities, and racist grooming policies, through direct representation and systemic advocacy • Dismantle the policies and practices that lead to push out of Black and brown families, including parental exclusion, discriminatory fines and fees, and criminalization through truancy referrals • Reduce education barriers and promote effective models for students who need mental health and behavioral health supports in schools, with a focus on Black girls • Promote affirmative and safe schools for all students through direct representation and systemic advocacy on behalf of students experiencing bullying and harassment • Promote inclusive early learning opportunities through direct representation and policy advocacy on behalf of young children with disabilities, children experiencing homelessness, and children in foster care experiencing push out • Engage older youth, including youth who are unaccompanied homeless, undocumented, or pregnant/parenting, in meaningful educational opportunities that prepare them for college or career

Juvenile Law Center Philadelphia, PA July 22, 2020 Skadden, EJW, Others decarceration
Philadelphia Legal Assistance Philadelphia, PA July 14, 2022 Skadden, EJW, Others We welcome any project that would enhance the current work of any of our substantive units, especially with an emphasis on racial equity. Additionally, if you have areas of particular interest or project ideas, we encourage you to state them in your letter.
The Public Interest Law Center Philadelphia, PA July 9, 2021 Skaden, EJW, Others The Law Center will consider a strong proposal in any of our six areas
South Carolina
       
Charleston Legal Access Charleston, SC No date listed Skadden, EJW, Others Wage theft
Tennessee
       
A Better Balance Nashville, TN No date listed EJW; Skadden; others workers rights, family rights
Texas
       
ACLU of Texas Houston, TX Rolling until filled EJW; Skadden; others Civil Liberties, Civil Rights
Catholic Diocese of El Paso - Diocesan Migrant and Refugee Services, Inc. El Paso, TX August 24, 2018 EJW Immigration Law
Lawyers for Good Government Texas or DC (but location not required) Rolling Skadden; EJW; Other

L4GG will consider well-researched and impactful projects touching on any areas of L4GG’s focus

Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services (RAICES) Multiple Locations, TX no date listed EJW; Skadden; Other Immigration Law
Texas Advocacy Project Austin, TX September 13, 2023 EJW; Skadden; Other
  1. Bexar County Access to Justice Project. Identify possible family law cases in Bexar County. Fellow will conduct limited appearances for pro se litigants facing roadblocks to justice, develop best practices related to limited appearances, develop training for bar associations on limited appearances, and will recruit pro bono attorneys for TAP to implement best practices. 
  2. Hague Convention Attorney. We have started a comprehensive educational rubric on service of process. Fellow will partner with staff and outside organizations to finalize this rubric for distribution on sites, develop best practices, and train staff and possibly present at Poverty Law Conference.
Texas Fair Defense Project Austin, TX July 15, 2022 EJW, Skadden, other Project focused on the criminalization of homelessness in Texas
Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid Various July 12, 2023 EJW, Skadden, Soros, other TRLA will also support selected applicants through the fellowship application, including developing a proposal and the interview process
Vermont
       
ACLU Vermont Charlottesville, Richmond, or Falls Church, VA Apps reviewed starting July 4, 2021 and considered until filled EJW; Skadden; Other immigrant advocacy, public benefits, affordable housing, consumer protection, employment, health, education or juvenile justice
Virginia
       
Legal Aid Justice Center  Charlottesville, Richmond, or Falls Church, VA June 30, 2020 EJW; Skadden; Other immigrant advocacy, public benefits, affordable housing, consumer protection, employment, health, education or juvenile justice
National Housing Law Project Richmond, VA July 18, 2018 Skadden; EJW Various
The Human Trafficking Institute  Merrifield, VA (or remote) Rolling but encouraged to apply early Skadden; EJW; Justice Catalyst; Other

HTI will work with the fellow to develop a project that will make them a competitive candidate for post-graduate fellowship funding

Washington
   

 

 
Fair Work Center Seattle, WA July 15, 2022

Skadden: EJW; Others

Fair Work Center staff will work closely with candidates to explore project proposals that align with their interest as well as advance unmet needs of low-wage and vulnerable workers.
Legal Voice Seattle, WA August 10, 2018

Skadden; EJW; Others

Advancing economic justice - esp. rights of women & LGBTQ
Washington, DC
   

 

 

ACLU, National Prison Project 

Washington, DC Rolling/June 15, 2022 (priority) EJW; Skadden; others Our staff will work with candidates to develop their proposals to external funders for submission, helping tailor the proposal to address an important civil liberties issue for incarcerated people. Proposed projects often combine litigation and advocacy with community outreach and public education. 
Advancement Project Washington, DC August 1, 2021

EJW; Skadden, others

Fellows would work on Rights Restoration, Mass Incarceration + Policing Issues, Immigrant Justice or Education Justice and should state their area of interest and preferred fellowship in the cover letter when applying. 
Ayuda Washington, DC Rolling

EJW; Skadden, others

Ayuda has multiple areas of expertise and need. 
Bread for the City Washington, DC July 31, 2021

Skadden; EJW

Bread for the City is seeking a fellowship applicant to expand its provision of legal services by providing immigration services 
The Campaign Legal Center Washington, DC July 21, 2023

Skadden; EJW; other

CLC is seeking applicants interested in all of our issue areas: campaign finance, voting rights, redistricting, and ethics. 
Children's Law Center Washington, DC June 28, 2022 Skadden; EJW The project proposal should be focused on one of Children’s Law Center’s practice areas within the medical-legal partnership
D.C. Law Students in Court Program, Inc Washington, DC Rolling until position is filled Skadden, EJW, Soros, other Landlord-tenant, housing, other justice reform
DC Volunteer Lawyers Project Washington, DC June 23, 2023 EJW or Skadden

DCVLP is specifically interested in candidates for the following potential projects:

  • A project focused on improving access to justice during emergency domestic violence situations. 
  • A project focused on addressing the unmet educational needs of vulnerable children who are the subjects of complex custody cases. 
  • A project focused on providing culturally responsive, community-based legal services at the intersection of domestic violence and immigrant communities. 
Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) Washington, DC Apply early Skadden, EJW, Soros, Other Civil Rights Civil Liberties, Intellectual Property
Fair Elections Center Washington, DC Rolling Skadden, EJW, Other Litigation against barriers to voter registration and voting
Georgetown Law - Center on Privacy & Technology Washington, DC Rolling Skadden; EJW; Soros; Justice Catalyst; others We will work closely with the chosen candidate to develop a fellowship proposal that aligns with the Center’s mission and vision, as well as the candidate’s own interests, and will provide a high level of support to the candidate throughout the application process. 
Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law Washington, DC June 15, 2022 Skadden; EJW; Soros; Justice Catalyst; others One or more of the following project groups: Voting Rights, Economic Justice, Criminal Justice, Educational Opportunities, Public Policy, Fair Housing and Community Development, or Digital Justice.
Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia Washington, DC Rolling basis, apply early (Closed for 2022) EJW; Skadden seeking proposals for projects based in one of our four existing practice areas
Legal Counsel for the Elderly Washington, DC June 28, 2021 EJW or Skadden We intend to select two applicants for sponsorship. Third year law students interested in housing preservation and/or protections for homeowners may wish to pursue these fellowship opportunities.
Muslim Advocates Washington, DC Rolling EJW, Skadden, other Civil rights, civil liberties, litigation, policy
NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund Washington, DC Rolling EJW, Skadden, Other Education, Economic Justice, Criminal Justice, Voting Rights
National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum Washington, DC No date listed Skadden; EJW Reproductive rights & health; economic justice; immigrant rights
National Center for Transgender Equality Washington, DC Rolling Any outside funding transgender; LGBT, Health Care, privacy, Civil Rights
National Health Law Program Washington, DC August 1, 2020 EJW Health Law
National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty Washington, DC August 1, 2020 Skadden, EJW, Other Homeless advocacy
National Student Legal Defense Network Washington, DC ASAP but no later than July 1, 2018 EJW, Skadden, other Projects focused on student loan borrowers
National Veterans Legal Services Program Washington, DC ASAP EJW or Skadden Veterans issues
National Women's Law Center Washington, DC July 26, 2023 EJW, Skadden, other

NWLC’s Workplace Justice program team invites fellowship project proposals that fall within our key policy priorities, including efforts to:

  • Advance workplace equality, such as ending workplace sexual harassment and violence, pay discrimination, and pregnancy and caregiver discrimination;
  • Improve job quality, such as raising wages, securing fair work schedules, and ensuring working people can care for themselves and their families without sacrificing their paychecks; and
  • Build worker power, such as supporting workers’ ability to organize and bargain collectively, advocating for increased transparency about wages and working conditions, and pushing back against corporate practices that undermine workers’ rights on the job.
Neighborhood Legal Services Program  Washington, DC July 12, 2021 EJW, Skadden Family law, family law, public housing rights and preservation, barriers to pandemic recovery for DC renters, public benefits, predatory lending or credit repair, impact of fines and fees on low-income
Open City Advocates  Washington, DC July 27, 2020 EJW, Skadden, Other Juvenile justice
Poverty and Race Research Action Council  Washington, DC None specified EJW, Skadden, Other Fair housing, environmental justice, education
Public Justice Foundation Washington, DC June 15, 2023 EJW, Skadden, Other We are particularly interested in hosting a Fellow whose project focuses on anti-trans harassment, discriminatory discipline based on race and/or gender, or other forms of race and/or LGBTQ discrimination, though we are open to project proposals outside this scope. 
Reprieve U.S. Washington, DC or Remote Rolling until filled EJW, Skadden, Other Death Penalty, Secret Prisons, Extrajudicial Executions
Rights Behind Bars Washington, DC Rolling EJW, Skadden, Soros, Other  
Second Look Project Washington, DC September 1, 2020 EJW, Skadden, Justice Catalyst, Soros, Other Projects directed at helping fight the effects of mass incarceration in Washington, DC
School Justice Project Washington, DC August 27, 2021 EJW or Skadden Candidates may apply for this position with or without a specific project in mind.
Tzedek DC  Washington, DC Rolling Skadden, EJW, others Tzedek DC seeks a Fellow to partner with on a proposal to address the medical debt issue through three different means—direct legal services, policy reform, and community education.
Washington Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs Washington, DC Rolling, priority  by July 11, 2021 Skadden; EJW; Soros We are particularly interested in fellowship projects that center racial justice, have a systemic or broad-based dimension, and incorporate litigation into the theory of change.
Veterans Education Success Washington, DC July 31, 2018 Skadden, EJW, others Economic Justice, Veterans, education, public policy