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.
About NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund, Inc.
The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund is a nonprofit law organization based in New York. Founded in 1940 by Thurgood Marshall, it focuses on civil and human rights. The organization uses litigation, advocacy, and public education to pursue racial equity. It addresses issues in criminal justice, economic justice, education, and political participation. The staff size ranges from 51 to 200 employees.
How to get in at NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund, Inc.
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