Legal Fellowships

Contract, Full-time

No

Legal Fellowship Opportunities for Recent Law School Graduates and Deferred Associates at VLA

Organization: Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (VLA)

Job Title: Legal Fellow

Experience: Recent law school graduates and deferred associates

Salary: Unpaid (must secure independent fellowship funding)

Location: New York City

Department: Legal Services

VLA, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing pro bono legal services to the arts community in New York City, is currently seeking Legal Fellows for full-time or part-time positions. These positions offer a unique opportunity for recent law school graduates and deferred associates to gain hands-on experience and interact with clients on a daily basis while working on a variety of legal issues relevant to the arts community.

Key Responsibilities:

- Reviewing intake files related to arts-related legal matters and preparing memos on key legal and factual issues
- Participating in client consultations and managing case files for referral to pro bono counsel; admitted New York State Bar members may lead consultations
- Coordinating off-site legal services programming for VLA artists
- Conducting legal research, writing, and case management for intellectual property, contract, corporate, and dispute resolution matters
- Training and supervising VLA law student interns
- Assisting with education and development programming by creating materials and teaching classes on legal issues for artists and arts organizations

Essential Skills:

- Passion for the arts and public service
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
- Ability to work in a fast-paced team environment
- Strong multitasking abilities with attention to detail
- Proficient in legal research and writing
- Prior coursework and experience in intellectual property and/or the arts preferred

How to Apply:

To apply for a Legal Fellowship at VLA, email a cover letter and resume to Emma Frean at with "Legal Fellowship" in the subject line. Be sure to specify your source of fellowship funding, any associated terms, and your availability to work.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

VLA is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in its workforce. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds, cultures, races, genders, sexual orientations, ages, and abilities to apply. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on protected categories such as race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, familial status, marital status, caregiver status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse community and strive for excellence through diversity and inclusion.

Legal Fellowship Eligibility:

- Must be a recent law school graduate or deferred associate
- Must secure independent fellowship funding (unpaid position)
- Must have a strong interest in the arts and public service
- Must have excellent communication and multitasking skills
- Must be detail-oriented and able to work in a fast-paced environment
- Prior coursework and experience in intellectual property and/or the arts is preferred

Benefits of a Legal Fellowship at VLA:

- Gain hands-on experience and interact with clients on a daily basis
- Work on a variety of legal issues relevant to the arts community
- Opportunity to lead client consultations (admitted New York State Bar members only)
- Learn from experienced attorneys and professionals in the arts community
- Develop legal research and writing skills
- Training and supervision of VLA law student interns
- Assist with education and development programming for artists and arts organizations

Ready to take the first step towards a fulfilling career in public service and the arts? Apply for a Legal Fellowship at VLA today!

Legal Research, Legal Writing, Case Management, Communication, Multitasking, Teamwork

Law degree from an accredited law school

Email cover letter and resume to Emma Frean at with "Legal Fellowship" in the subject line. Provide source of fellowship funding and availability dates.

Qualification and Experience Law School Graduate, Admitted to New York State Bar (preferred)

Legal