Public Policy Legal Fellow
About The Position
The Public Policy Legal Fellow provides legal research and fact gathering on a wide range of sexual violence issues. The fellow may draft memoranda and one-page summaries and may review and analyze legislation, regulations, and other policy documents. Areas of legal exposure include constitutional law, criminal law, criminal procedure, appellate law, family law, and state and federal policy. This is a 12-week spring fellowship running February through April, with flexible start and end dates to accommodate school or bar exam schedules. Fellows dedicate 20 hours per week and participate in research, policy development, administrative support, resource management, and learning activities. The fellowship is unpaid. It may be based regionally for someone residing in the continental United States and is remote. Fellows must have a home office setup and dependable high-speed internet sufficient for fellowship tasks and communications.
Requirements
- Current law student in a Juris Doctor program or recent law school graduate; the fellowship must be completed within two years of graduation for a recent graduate.
- Strong writing, research, analytical, and organizational skills.
- Strong interest in policy work.
- Demonstrated interest in sexual violence issues.
- Comfort with legal research tools, including LexisNexis and Westlaw.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel and Word, and Google Workspace, especially Google Docs and Google Sheets.
- Ability to use remote meeting platforms such as Zoom, Google Meet, and WebEx.
- Strong interpersonal skills and a team-player attitude.
- Availability to dedicate 20 hours per week to the fellowship.
- Has passed the bar examination or intends to take it within a year.
- Demonstrated substantial commitment to or preparation for a career in public interest law or government service.
- Will endeavor to obtain employment in the public interest or government sector before or immediately following the fellowship.
- Must complete and pass a criminal background check administered by RAINN.
- Must have a home office setup and dependable high-speed internet sufficient for fellowship-related tasks and communications.
Responsibilities
- Research state sexual violence laws and related public policy issues.
- Gather and summarize relevant statutes, case law, regulations, and other resources related to sexual assault issues.
- Contribute background research and support the preparation of memoranda, policy statements, briefing materials, and correspondence under staff guidance.
- Participate in data entry, document management, and departmental support activities.
- Assist with organizing, updating, and enhancing databases and other resource dissemination tools.
- Observe and support communications and projects involving RAINN's pro bono law firm partners, as appropriate.
- Participate in team meetings, training opportunities, and mentorship activities.
- Engage in additional learning opportunities and special projects supporting the fellow's educational experience and professional development.
- Review and analyze legislation, regulations, and other policy documents as requested.
- Prepare application materials: a resume, cover letter, and two writing samples, each no longer than 10 pages.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
No Education Listed
