John Lewis Legal Fellowship

Full-time

No

H1: John Lewis Legal Fellowship at Legal Services Alabama
H2: Join the Fight for Social Justice and Poverty Law in Alabama

Organization: Legal Services Alabama (LSA)
Job Title: John Lewis Fellow
Experience: Sitting for Bar Exam in July 2024 or February 2025, or already licensed in any state
Salary: $54,810
Location: Any of LSA’s statewide offices in Anniston, Birmingham, Dothan, Huntsville, Mobile, Montgomery, Selma, or Tuscaloosa
Type: Temporary, full-time (one year)

The John Lewis Fellowship, established in 2019 by Legal Services Alabama, offers a unique opportunity for young attorneys to gain experience in nonprofit civil legal aid and work at the intersection of poverty law and racial justice. This fellowship is in honor of the late Congressman and civil rights leader John Lewis, and is open to candidates who will be sitting for a Bar Exam in July 2024 or February 2025, or who are already licensed in any state. Preference will be given to candidates licensed in Alabama.

LSA is one of the largest statewide law firms in Alabama, providing free civil legal advocacy to low-income Alabamians and working to find solutions to systemic issues caused by poverty and social justice inequities. The organization collaborates with others across the state and nation to address these issues and empower communities.

As a John Lewis Fellow, you will have the opportunity to use legal advocacy, education, and outreach to address community-identified issues in collaboration with client communities and Alabama’s strong network of pro bono attorneys. This includes advocating for clients, coalition building, conducting outreach and training, organizing free legal clinics, and leading legal service projects that support access to justice. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills and a passion for community empowerment and social justice.

Qualifications for this position include a demonstrated interest in public interest law and lived or other meaningful and sustained experiences with people living in poverty, people of color, or communities who have traditionally faced structural barriers to justice. Strong legal writing and communication skills are required, and bilingual candidates are preferred. Alabama recognizes reciprocity in certain states, and a list of reciprocal jurisdictions can be found on the admissions page of the Alabama State Bar website.

LSA is an Equal Opportunity Program and Employer, and all applicants will be considered without regard to sex or sexual orientation, race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, age, disability, political affiliation, genetic information, gender identity, veteran status, or any other consideration prohibited by law.

The salary for this position is $54,810, and LSA offers an excellent and comprehensive benefits package. This includes six weeks of paid leave annually, 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for each employee, and 50% of the premium for eligible family members. LSA also has an active Wellness Committee that supports staff health and wellness.

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and references to . The application deadline is open until filled, and no telephone calls or faxes will be accepted.

Join the fight for social justice and poverty law in Alabama as a John Lewis Fellow at Legal Services Alabama. Make a difference in the lives of low-income Alabamians and help create a more just and equitable society. Apply now!

Not specified

Six weeks of paid leave, 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance, 50% premium for eligible family members, active Wellness Committee

Bilingual preferred

Legal advocacy, education, outreach, coalition building, legal writing, communication

Not specified

Send cover letter, resume, and references to

Qualification and Experience Sitting for Bar Exam in July 2024 or February 2025 or already licensed in any state, preference for candidates licensed in Alabama, interest in public interest law, experience with marginalized communities

Legal