Fall 2026 Civil Rights Fellowship Sponsorship Opportunity na Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs

About the role

The Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs is open to sponsoring legal fellows with their own funding for fellowships beginning in Fall 2026.  The Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs seeks a fellow to develop and conduct impact litigation and related advocacy. We anticipate the greatest current organizational need in Fall 2026 will be in WLC’s immigrant justice, education and criminal legal system work. The fellow’s primary assignment, at least initially, would likely be in those practice areas.

Responsibilities

Fellows are provided robust opportunities to handle all aspects of litigation including investigation and case development, including with impacted communities, discovery, motions practice, and trial as part of a team comprised of WLC staff and private bar co-counsel.  The person will receive supervision and collaboration from WLC litigators who have experience in individual representation, policy advocacy, and impact and class action litigation. 

Qualifications

•  J.D. degree; bar admission in DC, MD, and/or VA or eligibility for exam/ability to waive
• Demonstrated commitment to public interest law, civil rights, and/or constitutional law
• Superior analytic skills and excellent research skills
• Demonstrated ability to write and speak clearly, persuasively, and creatively
• Ability to engage in complex legal analysis and fact investigation
• Self-motivated, diligent, and able to meet deadlines
• Ability to work independently, as well as with a wide range of people in a dynamic work environment

Compensation

Fellows seeking sponsorship should come with their own funds.  Salary and benefits will be commensurate with the salaries and benefits provided to permanent staff attorneys employed by WLC, which includes generous leave and employer-funded benefits.  WLC’s pay scale is available with this posting.

• WLC offers a broad range of benefits including:
• Generous paid time-off
• Comprehensive healthcare benefits (medical, dental and vision coverage, parental leave)
• 401k plan
• Professional development
• Telework option -- two days per week (Mondays, Fridays)

How To Apply

A complete application will consist of the below listed documents. Please include in the cover letter document your three references and legal writing sample.

• Cover letter (no longer than two pages)
• Current resume
• List of three references
• Legal writing sample