Appellate Advocacy Fellow

LEGAL AID DC•Washington, DC

1m•$72,830 - $80,234•Onsite

About The Position

Legal Aid DC, a nonprofit organization with an approximately $18 million annual budget and a staff of approximately 125 employees, is seeking an Appellate Advocacy Fellow to begin in the Fall of 2027. This is an internally funded position. The Fellowship will be for one year, extendable to two years by mutual agreement of the Fellow and Legal Aid. Since 1932, Legal Aid has provided civil legal assistance to clients in individual cases and engaged in systemic reform. Currently, we provide individual representation in consumer law, domestic violence/family law, housing, public benefits, and immigration matters. We also help people with the collateral consequences of their involvement with the criminal justice system. From the experiences of our clients, we identify opportunities for law reform, public policy advocacy, and systemic impact and appellate litigation. Legal Aid also administers the DC Resource Bridge, a single access point for legal services in the District. Legal Aid believes that meaningful pursuit of our anti-poverty mission requires an unwavering commitment to racial justice and equity. We aspire both to reflect the rich racial diversity of the communities we serve and to value, respect, and empower our staff and clients to be effective agents of change. For more information about Legal Aid please visit our website, www.LegalAidDC.org. Our work is supported through public and private grants and private fundraising from individuals, law firms, and other contributors. Legal Aid’s nationally recognized Barbara McDowell Appellate Advocacy Project is named after its first Director, an acclaimed appellate and U.S. Supreme Court advocate. The Project litigates precedent-setting appeals on behalf of Legal Aid clients and files “friend of the court” briefs in cases involving matters of importance to people living in poverty. Beyond litigation, the Project provides appellate instruction, consultation, and advice to the larger D.C. legal services community. Although most of the Project’s work involves cases before the D.C. Court of Appeals, the Project also participates in administrative appeals and in cases before the D.C. Superior Court and the federal courts.

Requirements

Exceptional legal research and writing skills
Excellent organizational and communication skills and attention to detail
Strong litigation skills, including working across teams varying in size
An ability to multitask, prioritize, meet quick deadlines, and be self-directed on large assignments with long timeframes
A demonstrated commitment to social, economic, and racial justice
An ability to work with Legal Aid’s diverse client community
Eligibility for membership in the D.C. Bar is required
Individuals who are not already members of the D.C. Bar must have graduated from an accredited law school (or anticipate doing so) before the fellowship commences.

Nice To Haves

Experience with appellate writing
Proficiency or fluency in Spanish or another language in addition to English
Membership in the D.C. Bar

Responsibilities

Briefing and arguing cases before the D.C. Court of Appeals, including legal strategy; interactions with other Legal Aid attorneys, clients, allies, and opposing counsel; drafting; editing; and oral argument.
Reviewing court filings, spotting appropriate issues, and making recommendations to the Project Director regarding Legal Aid participation in cases.
Meeting with potential clients to conduct intake interviews or gather more information.
Providing advice to Legal Aid trial attorneys across units on legal research, writing, and trial strategy for potential appeals and other important or unusual cases.
Editing the writing of other attorneys and mooting various hearings and depositions.
Advising outside organizations at all stages of the appellate process, including organizing moot courts.
Supervising a law student intern during the summer and sometimes fall or spring semesters.
Maintaining the Project’s organizational systems.
Tracking filing and other deadlines.
Identifying and alleviating bottlenecks limiting productivity.