Public Policy Legal Fellow

RAINN • Washington, DC

1d • Remote

About The Position

The Public Policy Legal Fellow conducts legal research and fact gathering on a wide range of sexual violence issues. The fellow drafts materials such as memoranda and one-page summaries and may review and analyze legislation, regulations, and other policy documents. Areas of exposure may 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 start and end dates flexible to accommodate school or bar examination schedules. The fellowship is unpaid and requires 20 hours per week. It is remote and may be based regionally for someone residing within the continental United States. Fellows must have a home office setup and dependable high-speed internet sufficient for fellowship tasks, system access, and team communications.

The fellow will participate in research, policy development, administrative and organizational work, resource maintenance, and projects involving RAINN’s pro bono law firm partners as appropriate. The fellowship also includes team meetings, training, mentorship, and other learning opportunities. The selected candidate must pass a criminal background check.

Requirements

• Current law student in a Juris Doctor program or recent graduate from one; the fellowship must be completed within two years of law school graduation.
• Strong writing, research, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Strong interest in policy work and 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.
• 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 with dependable high-speed internet sufficient for fellowship-related tasks, system access, and team communications.
• Application must include a resume, cover letter, and two writing samples, each no longer than 10 pages.

Responsibilities

• Assist with legal research projects focused on state sexual violence laws and related public policy issues.
• Gather and summarize 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 that support the fellow’s educational experience and professional development.
• Draft materials as needed, including memoranda and one-page summaries, and potentially review and analyze legislation, regulations, and other policy documents.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree