About the role#
The NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund, Inc. is seeking applicants for a Litigation Fellow position starting in Fall 2027. This role is open to rising third-year law students, judicial clerks, and recent law school graduates. Fellows will work within the Litigation Department to advance civil rights matters. This is a full-time, paid appointment that requires the fellow to secure external funding through school-based fellowship programs.
What you'll do#
- Litigate and develop strategies for civil rights cases across the LDF docket.
- Collaborate with staff members on various legal projects.
- Prepare and submit funding proposals to support your fellowship term.
- Participate in public education and advocacy initiatives.
What you'll need#
- A clear commitment to racial justice and addressing racial inequality.
- Strong research and writing skills.
- The ability to think creatively and work well within multidisciplinary teams.
- Experience or academic background in fields such as Political Science, History, Sociology, Criminal Justice, Philosophy, Public Health, Human Resources, or Communications.
Location & details#
- This position is based in New York, NY, Washington, DC, or Atlanta, GA.
- The role operates on a hybrid schedule with a minimum of two days per week in the office.
- LDF provides sponsorship support for the fellowship application process.
How to get in at NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund, Inc.
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