Fall 2026 Civil Rights Fellowship Sponsorship Opportunity

About Washington Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs

The Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs (WLC) works to create legal, economic, and social equity through litigation, client and public education, and public policy advocacy with a primary focus on racial justice. For the last 55 years, the Committee has been on the cutting edge of civil rights advocacy in the region bringing precedent setting litigation to address discrimination. Our work focuses on injustices in housing, employment, the criminal legal system, education, public accommodations, and the civil rights of immigrants. We partner with individuals and communities facing discrimination and with the legal community to achieve justice. The Committee’s staff is unionized with the National Organization of Legal Service Workers Local #2320, UAW. For more information on the Washington Lawyers’ Committee, please go to www.washlaw.org.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Accessibility, equity, diversity and inclusion are central to our work to advance equality and justice for all. We are committed to learning and growth, humility and grace, transparency and accountability. We embrace a collective responsibility to create a culture that respects difference, treats staff equitably, and empowers staff to do the best work possible. We are committed to anti-oppression and anti-racism internally and externally. Whether in court or at the office, we believe that “We the People” means all of us.

WLC is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need assistance applying online, please email Washington Lawyers’ Committee <justice@washlaw.org>. If selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.

About the role

The Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs is open to sponsoring legal fellows with their own funding for fellowships beginning in Fall 2026. The Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs seeks a fellow to develop and conduct impact litigation and related advocacy. We anticipate the greatest current organizational need in Fall 2026 will be in WLC’s immigrant justice, education and criminal legal system work. The fellow’s primary assignment, at least initially, would likely be in those practice areas.

Responsibilities

Fellows are provided robust opportunities to handle all aspects of litigation including investigation and case development, including with impacted communities, discovery, motions practice, and trial as part of a team comprised of WLC staff and private bar co-counsel. The person will receive supervision and collaboration from WLC litigators who have experience in individual representation, policy advocacy, and impact and class action litigation.

Qualifications

• J.D. degree; bar admission in DC, MD, and/or VA or eligibility for exam/ability to waive
• Demonstrated commitment to public interest law, civil rights, and/or constitutional law
• Superior analytic skills and excellent research skills
• Demonstrated ability to write and speak clearly, persuasively, and creatively
• Ability to engage in complex legal analysis and fact investigation
• Self-motivated, diligent, and able to meet deadlines
• Ability to work independently, as well as with a wide range of people in a dynamic work environment

Compensation

Fellows seeking sponsorship should come with their own funds. Salary and benefits will be commensurate with the salaries and benefits provided to permanent staff attorneys employed by WLC, which includes generous leave and employer-funded benefits. WLC’s pay scale is available with this posting.

• WLC offers a broad range of benefits including:
• Generous paid time-off
• Comprehensive healthcare benefits (medical, dental and vision coverage, parental leave)
• 401k plan
• Professional development
Telework option
• - two days per week (Mondays, Fridays)

How To Apply

A complete application will consist of the below listed documents. Please include in the cover letter document your three references and legal writing sample.

• Cover letter (no longer than two pages)
• Current resume
• List of three references
• Legal writing sample