Self-Funded Law Fellow

Alliance for Justice is a national association of almost 100 organizations dedicated to advancing justice and democracy. For 30 years we have been leaders in the fight for a more equitable society on behalf of a broad constituency of environmental, consumer, civil and women’s rights, children’s, senior citizens’ and other groups. Alliance for Justice is premised on the belief that all Americans have the right to secure justice in the courts and to have our voices heard when government makes decisions that affect our lives.

AFJ is offering a legal fellow position for a lawyer with 1-3 years of experience.  The fellow, whose salary must be self-funded by a grant from a private employer or foundation, will undertake a variety of research and organizing projects focusing in great part on raising awareness about the importance of the federal judiciary, and provide support to AFJ staff. 

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Attend Senate Judiciary Committee and other hearings, executive committee sessions and votes.
  • Analyze and comment on judicial nominations, as well as activities and written work of current judges, for AFJ's blog, Justice Digest.
  • Attend and report on meetings of the Coalition for a Fair and Independent Judiciary as needed.
  • Monitor federal judicial nominations. Conduct comprehensive research into nominees' records and prepare detailed reports and shorter documents for the press, the public, and the Senate.
  • Examine Supreme Court and lower court decisions and write editorial summaries for AFJ's online bulletin, Full Court Press.
  • Update the afj.org website and the judicial selection advocacy website.
  • Participate in meetings with other local organizations pertaining to issues around judicial selection.
  • Perform other duties as necessary, recognizing that the Fellow may be precluded from working on specific projects as a result of conflicts arising from the funding of the position.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Law degree and one to three years of experience, previous judicial clerkship experience a plus.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills. Ability to analyze and explain concepts of law and public policy, and to communicate complex issues clearly to a variety of audiences.
  • A passion for social justice, a demonstrated interest in civil rights and other constitutional protections.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate volunteers. Coalition building experience a plus.
  • Experience working with communities of various cultures. Foreign language skills a plus.
  • Team player.
  • Must be available for some evening and weekend hours.


COMPENSATION:

While the salary for this position is self-funded, Alliance for Justice will provide excellent benefits.

Alliance is an equal opportunity employer. All interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume, writing sample, transcript, and a list of references to alliance@afj.org or Alliance for Justice, Self-Funded Legal Fellow Search, 11 Dupont Circle NW, 2nd Floor, Washington, DC, 20036.

To apply online, click  the button below.