Fall 2027 Fellowship - California Public Benefits Advocacy
About The Position
The Youth Law Center (YLC) is seeking applications from third-year law students, judicial clerks, and other recent law graduates interested in advocating for improved access to public benefits for systems-impacted transition-aged youth (TAY) in California. This role focuses on Social Security Administration benefits, housing programs, nutrition supports, and foster care benefits. The fellowship candidate will be responsible for securing external fellowship funding (e.g., from Skadden, Equal Justice Works, or law-school-specific fellowships), with YLC covering any salary difference up to their internal scale. The position is remote, based in California, and requires collaboration with California legal aid attorneys. The project aims to address the unique needs of TAY in California, particularly in light of federal actions that may threaten access to essential supports. YLC will assist the selected candidate in developing a strong fellowship proposal that aligns with the organization's mission. Candidates should be located in California or willing to relocate and must have taken or plan to take the California bar exam.
Requirements
- Third-year law student, judicial clerk, or recent law graduate.
- Interest in systems-impact projects, particularly increasing access to public benefits programs for systems-impacted youth.
- Self-starter with the ability to work independently in a remote-work environment.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Strong analytic ability and legal research skills.
- Ability to work well with others.
- Anticipated or current bar membership, with a strong preference for applicants who are or will be members of the California Bar.
- Ability to travel.
Nice To Haves
- Knowledge of, experience with, or strong interest in child welfare and/or juvenile justice issues.
- Lived experience in the child welfare and/or juvenile justice system.
- People of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities
- Advocate for increased access to public benefits programs for youth and young adults impacted by the child welfare and juvenile justice systems.
- Collaborate with California legal aid attorneys supporting young people in their communities.
- Develop a strong fellowship proposal for public benefits advocacy for TAY.
- Work to ensure transition-aged youth have access to basic needs such as food, housing, transportation, and child care.
- Contribute to YLC's mission of transforming foster care and juvenile justice systems.
Benefits
- Unlimited paid vacation
- 13 accrued sick days annually
- 11+ paid holidays
- Paid parental leave after one year of service
- Medical (HMO & PPO options)
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Long-term disability insurance
- Life insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Dependent Care FSA
- Pre-tax commuter benefits plan
- 401k with up to 4% employer match
- Remote workstation equipment
- Remote work expense reimbursement
- 100% employer-paid health plan premiums for staff and enrolled family members
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
