Externally Funded Fellowship 2027-2029 – Digital Justice Initiative

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 that Black people and other people of color have the voice, opportunity, and power to make the promises of our democracy real. The organization has programs in Voting Rights, Election Protection, Digital Justice, Economic Justice, Criminal Justice, Economic Opportunities, and Fair Housing. The Digital Justice Initiative works at the intersection of racial justice, technology, and privacy, addressing issues like exploitative data practices, discriminatory algorithms, invasions of privacy, disinformation, and online hate that disproportionately target and harm communities of color. Fellows will be involved in substantive legal activities, including co-counseled litigation with prominent law firms, client contact, case investigation, discovery, negotiations, amicus briefs, appeals, and trial practice. Non-litigation activities include legal services to community development groups, legislative and public policy advocacy, and public education on civil rights matters. The fellowship project could focus on surveillance pricing or generative AI, exploring discrimination and privacy concerns in these areas.

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 low-income 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.
Interested candidates should submit a proposal that includes: Project Description: An outline of the proposed project, including objectives, timeline, target populations, and expected outcomes. Resume, Personal Statement: A statement of relevant experience and qualifications for the project. References: Contact information for at least two professional or academic references.

Nice To Haves

Computer science or other tech background preferred.

Responsibilities

Conducting fact research on the technology or relevant practices.
Engaging with communities, scholars, practitioners, and organizations to shape litigation and advocacy.
Build a case challenging discriminatory practices.
To the extent the fellow develops any strategy that can be fully or partially implemented during the term of the fellowship, they may participate in putting it into effect.