Job Title: Legal Fellow
Job Responsibilities:
- Develop project proposals for submission to Equal Justice Works, Skadden, and similar programs, as well as law-school specific fellowships, to conduct legal work in one of the organization's practice areas.
- Work on innovative projects such as helping individuals litigate in small claims court, ending the suspension of driver's licenses due to unpaid traffic tickets, providing direct representation to fathers in family law cases, registering New Yorkers under parole supervision to vote, and addressing employment discrimination against individuals with criminal convictions.
- Collaborate with the Immigration Policy Team to execute legislative and policy work at local, state, and national levels, aiming for transformational change in immigration policy.
- Engage in drafting legislation, developing communication and organizing campaigns, lobbying, and working in broad coalitions with community members and grassroots organizations.
- Participate in community organizing and engagement, legislative advocacy, impact litigation, and training public defenders to adopt a holistic model of representation.
- Work independently and collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team of lawyers and non-lawyers to support individuals ensnared in the criminal, family, immigration, and civil legal systems.
- Use strong research, writing, and courtroom advocacy skills to defend clients zealously in court and address the underlying drivers and enmeshed penalties of legal system involvement.
- Employ non-legal resources to support clients and find innovative solutions to unique obstacles.
Education and Experience Information:
- Recent law school graduates are eligible to apply.
- Candidates must be admitted to the New York bar or actively pursuing admission to the New York bar and able to practice under supervision as a law graduate.
- Experience working in and with racially and ethnically marginalized communities of color targeted by systemic injustice is required.
- Effective communication, collaboration, and connection with people from various backgrounds and experiences are essential.
- Ability to multitask, maintain order, meet deadlines, and work in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment is necessary.
- Additional qualification for the Immigration Practice includes a valid driver's license or the ability to obtain one, as travel to detention facilities outside of NYC may be required.
Salary Information:
- The organization will supplement the fellowship compensation to ensure a salary consistent with their attorney salary scale, which starts at $83,504.
- Full-time employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 403(b) plan with employer contribution, and a generous leave policy.
- Approximately 70% of the organization's staff are represented by UAW Local 2325 - Association of Legal Aid Attorneys (AFL-CIO), and this position is within the bargaining unit.
- The position is exempt, meaning exempt employees are not entitled to overtime pay.
Additional Information:
- The fellowship is an in-person position.
- Applicants must have taken the New York State Bar Examination and submitted materials for Pro Hac Vice admission or waiver.
- Applications must include a resume and a one-page cover letter stating the desired practice area and a brief description of the fellowship project idea or issues to be addressed through the fellowship.
- The application deadline is July 1, 2025, with interviews taking place in early July.
- An online information session about the Legal Fellowship will be offered on June 27, 2025.
The organization is an equal opportunity employer committed to cultivating an anti-oppressive workplace that embraces diversity. They encourage applicants from marginalized communities to apply, including those who identify as Black, Indigenous, people of color, queer, transgender, gender non-conforming, disabled, neurodivergent, and those directly impacted by criminal, civil, family, and immigration legal systems. They value lived as well as professional experience and particularly welcome applications from the Bronx community.
