Legal Fellowship 2027 - 2028

Democracy Forward•Columbia, WA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Democracy Forward Foundation is seeking to sponsor rising third-year law students and recent law school graduates for public interest fellowship funding. Fellows will start in fall 2027 and should be fewer than three years post-law school graduation at the time their fellowship commences. Fellows should have graduated from law school and taken a bar exam before their fellowship would commence in fall 2027. This fellowship is full-time and for one year. Consistent with the Fellow’s performance and the needs of the organization, Democracy Forward Foundation will consider extending Fellows an offer for a second year; such a decision would be made after the Fellow has worked at Democracy Forward for at least six months. Democracy Forward’s office is located in Washington, DC. While this position offers flexibility to work remotely, it requires regular in-office presence eight (8) times per month (averaging 2 times per week) to effectively support the nature of the role.

Requirements

Obtained a J.D. from an accredited law school by the time the fellowship begins in September 2027.
Demonstrated excellence in performing legal research and drafting legal documents (including court filings such as complaints, dispositive motions, and appeals, and/or regulatory filings such as comments and petitions for rulemaking), in a professional and timely manner.
Demonstrated commitment to democracy and social progress.
Excellent attention to detail.
Able to manage and prioritize multiple projects and drive forward work under tight deadlines.
Well-developed collaborative and interpersonal skills including demonstrated self-awareness, commitment to diversity and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds.
Experience or eagerness to work in a nonprofit, mission-driven, or advocacy organization.
All lawyer positions require a law degree and active membership in the bar of a state or the District of Columbia.

Responsibilities

Partner with other Democracy Forward Foundation lawyers in proceedings in federal and state courts and before federal and state agencies, including helping advise clients on strategy, risks, and objectives.
Perform legal research and draft legal documents, including substantive briefs for parties and amici, motions, comments, and/or other court or regulatory filings.
Assist Democracy Forward Foundation lawyers in preparing for arguments, hearings, and/or other court appearances.
Monitor and screen cases and provide recommendations for instances where Democracy Forward Foundation should consider getting involved in litigation (either affirmative litigation or as an amicus or intervenor) or engage in regulatory advocacy.
Serve as full members of litigation case teams.