Externally Funded Fellowship 2027-2029 - Fair Housing & Community Development

The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is one of the nation’s leading national racial justice legal organizations. Formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy, the Lawyers’ Committee uses legal advocacy to achieve racial justice, fighting inside and outside the courts to ensure that Black people and other people of color have the voice, opportunity, and power to make the promises of our democracy real.

The Lawyers’ Committee has litigation, public policy, and advocacy programs in the substantive areas of Voting Rights, Election Protection, Digital Justice, Economic Justice, Criminal Justice, Economic Opportunities, and Fair Housing.  The organization advances its mission as the premier organization marshaling the resources of the private bar alongside our own talented staff, with over 1 million pro bono hours billed to our cases and matters over the past decade.

Job Title: Fellow
Location: Washington, DC
Job Type: Term
Union Affiliation: Union
Accountable to: Acting Co-Chief Counsel

About this Role:
The Fair Housing and Community Development Project (“FHCD”) works to fight housing discrimination and promote equal housing opportunities. The project uses legal strategies, community engagement, and advocacy to ensure fair housing practices and equitable access to resources for Black communities and communities of color.

Our fellows become involved with substantive legal activities, which involve co-counseled litigation with prominent law firms, including client contact, case investigation, discovery, negotiations, amicus briefs, appeals, and trial practice. Non-litigation activities include legal services to community-based organizations, legislative and public policy advocacy, and public education on important civil rights matters.

The Lawyers' Committee will consider proposals that align with our equities but may not be expressly identified in a specific posting.

Fellowship Overview:
The overarching mission of the Fair Housing & Community Development Project of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is to enhance the ability of Black people and other people of color to have the same opportunities for freedom and mobility in housing choice as their white counterparts. The Project’s current priorities include combatting exclusionary zoning and displacement, defending and advancing key housing justice and civil rights statutes and principles, and defending institutions that direct federal funding into community development.

The Project uses a multipronged approach that includes litigation, policy advocacy and strategic research and publication to move our priorities. We work closely with grassroots housing justice and civil rights movement partners to inform and influence our priorities. The Project seeks fellowship proposals that will advance our interests in either combatting exclusionary zoning or residential displacement.

What You'll be Doing:

• Support impact litigation designed to combat policies that perpetuate segregation and disproportionately affect Black communities and communities of color and engage in related advocacy.

Minimum Requirements and Competencies:

• JD or anticipated JD by May 2027
• A strong and demonstrated commitment to civil rights and racial justice.
• Creative approach to civil rights work and ability to take initiative during the project development and implementation stage.
• Prior experience working with or ties to Black communities and/or communities of color.
• Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills as demonstrated through writing samples, internship and clinical experience, and academic records.
• Ability to work cooperatively on a variety of projects with all Lawyers' Committee staff and to develop and maintain positive relationships with diverse clients and community organizations.
• Effective written and oral communication skills in both legal and non-legal settings.

Proposal Requirements:
Interested candidates should submit a proposal that includes:

• Resume
• Personal Statement: A statement of relevant experience and qualifications for the project.
• References: Contact information for at least two professional or academic references.

Salary and Benefits:
The Fellow will be paid by applying for outside fellowship funding. Fellowships will only commence if outside funding is granted. If fellowship funding is lower than The Lawyers’ Committee salary scale, The Lawyers’ Committee will pay the fellows an additional amount to bring them up to the appropriate salary. The salary for an attorney receiving their JD in 2027 is $76,000.

Ready to Make an Impact?If you are passionate about civil rights, racial justice, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, we want to hear from you. Join our mission to drive positive change and contribute to our dynamic team!

Apply Today: Be part of the force for civil rights and make a lasting impact. Submit your application to help us create a more equitable and inclusive world.

Benefits: The Lawyers' Committee offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes healthcare coverage (medical, dental & vision), parental leave, 403(b) contribution with employer match contributions, voluntary short- and long-term disability and an employer paid monthly cell phone stipend. 

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: The Lawyers’ Committee embraces diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We strongly encourage candidates of color and candidates from underrepresented communities to apply. The Lawyers’ Committee does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibility, personal appearance, genetic information, matriculation, political affiliation, or any other status protected under law.

Reasonable Accommodation:  The Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws. If you require an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at View email address on lawyerscommitteeforcivilrightsunderlaw.applytojob.com.

This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union. Employment terms, including wages and benefits, are subject to collective bargaining agreements.

The expected salary for this role will be: $76,000