Pre-Law Fellowship (Criminal Defense)

Muslim Legal Fund of America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that funds legal work and programs to defend Muslim against injustice in America courtrooms, prisons, and communities. Our mission is to advance equality and justice for American Muslim organizations and individuals by combating the injustices done in the name of national security.

About the Pre-Law Fellowship Role

As a pre-law student with MLFA’s Criminal Defense Department, you will gain significant hands-on experience with managing national security cases while receiving the mentorship of experienced and renowned criminal defense attorneys. We ensure our pre-law school paralegals have significant opportunities to participate meaningfully in all our cases and work closely with the attorneys. MLFA’s Criminal Defense Department provides pro-bono representation in federal national security cases where the government’s assertions of national security have the potential to compromise the constitutional rights of the defendant and are of importance to the Muslim community. This is a two-year commitment.

To be successful in the role, the student must be detail-oriented and organized; possess the ability to work both independently and in a team environment; communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing; be able to prioritize and meet deadlines effectively; and be able to obtain and analyze relevant records. Contributing to a supportive, uplifting, and amiable team environment is a priority.

Responsibilities

• Case management and admin communication with clients
• Collection and organization of records
• Organization of discovery
• Drafting and editing pleadings and correspondence under attorney supervision
• Filing pleadings and notices to federal courts
• Trial preparation and assistance with team
• Legal research
• Case write-ups
• Intake management
• Assistance with policy projects and educational presentations
• Hands-on involvement with department initiatives and strategizing
• Any other duties required to assist the attorneys

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• GPA of 3.5 or higher
• Strong research and writing skills
• Experience in pre-law activities like mock trial, moot court, debate, and research
• Demonstrated interest and commitment to social justice and public interest work
• Demonstrated interest and familiarity with legal work and/or the legal field (i.e. or previous experience interning/working at legal organizations)
• Advanced computer skills; fluent in Microsoft Office Suite
• Familiar with Legal Server and PACER preferred
• Previous experience using Lexis and/or Westlaw preferred

The applicant must pass a background check. Travel may occasionally be required. Fluency in a language other than English is a plus.

PLEASE INCLUDE A COVER LETTER WITH YOUR RESUME TO BE CONSIDERED. All qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply by April 25th, 2026. The position start date is due to being no later than June 1st, 2026 and will be based in person in the Richardson, TX office. To apply, send a single pdf document via email to Sufia Khalid, to sufia.khalid@mlfa.org with the subject line, “Pre-law Fellow/Paralegal Application.” The single .pdf document should be named, “Your last name, first name, “ (e.g., Smith, Mary) and contain the following:

• A brief cover letter explaining how you meet the roles requirements, what you hope to achieve in the role, and your plans for after the two-year position.
• Your resume
• Three references (references will not be contacted until applicant is advised)
• A writing sample (not more than 15 pages; please select a writing sample that you areproud of and showcases your ability to research and effectively communicateinformation)

We welcome and value individuals of any race, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, and other status protected by law to apply.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Richardson, TX 75080 (Required)

Work Location: In person