Legal Fellowship, NIJC

National Immigrant Justice Center • Chicago, IL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Join the National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) as a legal fellow and help advance justice for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers through work that is both meaningful and deeply impactful. Fellows will have the opportunity to build practical legal skills, contribute to innovative advocacy and litigation strategies, and work closely with experienced immigration attorneys and advocates on issues affecting communities across the country. Through direct legal services, impact litigation, advocacy, and public education, NIJC provides fellows with invaluable exposure to the many ways public interest law can create lasting change. Headquartered in Chicago, with offices in Washington, DC, Indiana, and San Diego, NIJC's team of 100 attorneys, paralegals, and professionals, along with 2,000 pro bono attorneys, is at the forefront of immigrant rights reform.

NIJC invites rising third-year law students and recent law graduates to join NIJC as a legal fellow for up to two years, beginning in the fall of 2027. NIJC seeks to host fellows through programs including Equal Justice Works, the Skadden Foundation, Soros Fellowships, and other public interest fellowships, including law school funded programs.

For law students and recent graduates committed to immigrant justice, NIJC's legal fellowship offers the chance to build a meaningful public interest project with the support of a nationally recognized immigrant rights organization. NIJC will work with candidates to develop proposals for submission, helping tailor proposals to address important immigration rights issues.

Through this fellowship, candidates will have the opportunity to:
Develop a project proposal focused on important and emerging immigrant rights issues.
Receive mentorship and guidance from experienced immigration attorneys and advocates.
Strengthen legal research, writing, advocacy, and case strategy skills.
Contribute to meaningful mission-driven work that supports immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.
Collaborate with NIJC staff on approaches to advancing immigrant justice.

Requirements

• Submit a resume.
• Letter of Interest
• Law School Transcripts
• Writing Sample

Responsibilities

• Develop a project proposal focused on important and emerging immigrant rights issues.
• Receive mentorship and guidance from experienced immigration attorneys and advocates.
• Strengthen legal research, writing, advocacy, and case strategy skills.
• Contribute to meaningful mission-driven work that supports immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.
• Collaborate with NIJC staff on approaches to advancing immigrant justice.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree