Fall 2027 Fellowship Sponsorship, Criminal Law Reform Project

About the role#

The Criminal Law Reform Project is seeking applicants for a sponsored fellowship, such as Equal Justice Works, to begin in the fall of 2027. This position is designed for rising third-year law students and recent law graduates to engage in litigation and advocacy aimed at challenging overloaded public defense systems and addressing systemic government conduct that fuels the carceral state. The fellow will work closely with the Project Director and Deputy Project Director to advance the constitutional and civil rights of those impacted by the criminal legal system.

What you'll do#

• Conduct legal research and analysis to develop theories for new litigation projects.
• Draft legal memoranda, pleadings, affidavits, motions, and briefs.
• Interview witnesses and potential clients.
• Participate in discovery and trial practice.
• Draft and edit public education and non-litigation advocacy materials.
• Provide support to ACLU affiliates and cooperating attorneys.
• Help manage the summer legal internship program and supervise student interns.
• Engage in public speaking and attend relevant meetings or conferences.

What you'll need#

• A J.D. or expected receipt of a J.D. by the spring of 2027.
• Admission to a state bar, or an agreement to become admitted within one year of hire.
• A demonstrated commitment to public interest law, civil liberties, criminal justice, and racial justice.
• Excellent research, writing, and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to conduct complex legal analysis and work both independently and within a team.
• Willingness to work closely with the Criminal Law Reform Project throughout the funding application process.

Location & details#

• Locations: New York, NY or San Francisco, CA.
• Term: Fall 2027 start for a duration of one to two years.
• Work Modality: Hybrid, with in-office requirements of two days per week or eight days per month.
• Status: Full-time, paid position.