Externally Funded Fellowship 2027-2029 – Fair Housing & Community Development

Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law•Washington, DC

6d•$76,000 - $76,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is a leading national racial justice legal organization. Formed in 1963, it uses legal advocacy to achieve racial justice, ensuring Black people and people of color have the voice, opportunity, and power to realize the promises of democracy. The organization has programs in Voting Rights, Election Protection, Digital Justice, Economic Justice, Criminal Justice, Economic Opportunities, and Fair Housing. The Fair Housing and Community Development Project (FHCD) specifically works to fight housing discrimination and promote equal housing opportunities through legal strategies, community engagement, and advocacy. Fellows will be involved in substantive legal activities such as co-counseled litigation, client contact, case investigation, discovery, negotiations, amicus briefs, appeals, and trial practice. Non-litigation activities include legal services to community-based organizations, legislative and public policy advocacy, and public education on civil rights matters. The fellowship is for the 2027-2029 term and focuses on Fair Housing & Community Development, aiming to combat exclusionary zoning and displacement, defend housing justice statutes, and protect institutions that direct federal funding into community development.

Requirements

JD or anticipated JD by May 2026
A strong and demonstrated commitment to civil rights and racial justice.
Creative approach to civil rights work and ability to take initiative during the project development and implementation stage.
Prior experience working with or ties to Black communities and/or communities of color.
Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills as demonstrated through writing samples, internship and clinical experience, and academic records.
Ability to work cooperatively on a variety of projects with all Lawyers' Committee staff and to develop and maintain positive relationships with diverse clients and community organizations.
Effective written and oral communication skills in both legal and non-legal settings.

Responsibilities

Support impact litigation designed to combat policies that perpetuate segregation and disproportionately affect Black communities and communities of color.
Engage in related advocacy.
Client contact, case investigation, discovery, negotiations, amicus briefs, appeals, and trial practice.
Provide legal services to community-based organizations.
Engage in legislative and public policy advocacy.
Conduct public education on important civil rights matters.