Job summary
Job post source
This job is directly from Democracy Forward Foundation
Job overview
The Legal Fellowship 2026-2027 at Democracy Forward Foundation is a public interest fellowship for rising third-year law students and recent graduates, focusing on legal advocacy to promote democracy and progress.
Responsibilities and impact
Fellows will partner with lawyers in federal and state court proceedings, perform legal research and drafting, assist in preparing for hearings, monitor cases for litigation opportunities, and participate in client and stakeholder meetings.
Compensation and benefits
First-year Fellows receive an annual salary of $70,000 contingent on external funding, with access to a benefits package including flexible vacation and health, dental, and vision insurance. The role offers a flexible, hybrid work model based in Washington, DC.
Experience and skills
Candidates must be law graduates who have taken a bar exam and be fewer than three years post-graduation by fellowship start; law degree and active bar membership are required. Diverse backgrounds and experiences are encouraged.
Career development
Fellows may be offered a second-year extension based on performance and organizational needs, providing opportunities for continued growth in mission-based legal and policy work.
Work environment and culture
Democracy Forward values diversity, inclusion, and a supportive environment encouraging applicants from marginalized groups, with a flexible hybrid work setting requiring partial office presence.
Company information
Democracy Forward Foundation is a public interest legal organization focused on promoting democracy and progress through litigation and advocacy.
Team overview
Fellows work closely with Democracy Forward lawyers and engage with clients including nonprofits, unions, and local governments in collaborative legal efforts.
Job location and travel
The position is based in Washington, DC, with a hybrid work model requiring approximately three days per week in the office.
Application process
Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample, with early applications reviewed on a rolling basis starting July 7, 2025.
Unique job features
This fellowship offers unique public interest legal experience with opportunities to engage in substantive litigation and advocacy on democracy-related issues, supported by a flexible work environment and a focus on diversity and inclusion.
Company overview
Democracy Forward is a nonprofit legal organization that focuses on challenging unlawful government actions and policies through litigation and advocacy. They make money primarily through donations, grants, and funding from philanthropic organizations. Founded in 2017, Democracy Forward has played a crucial role in holding government entities accountable, often working on high-profile cases that impact public policy and governance. Their mission is to ensure that government actions adhere to the law and protect democratic principles.
How to land this job
Position your resume to highlight your legal education, bar admission status, and any relevant public interest or litigation experience, emphasizing your readiness to contribute to federal and state court proceedings and regulatory advocacy at Democracy Forward.
Focus on showcasing your legal research skills, drafting capabilities for briefs and motions, and your ability to support litigation strategy and client advisement, as these are central to the fellowship role.
Apply through multiple channels including Democracy Forward's official careers page and LinkedIn to maximize your application's visibility and ensure it is considered promptly, especially since applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Connect with current or former fellows and lawyers at Democracy Forward on LinkedIn. When reaching out, use ice breakers like commenting on their recent cases or publications, expressing genuine interest in Democracy Forward's mission to promote democracy and progress, or asking about their experience with the fellowship program.
Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description such as 'legal research,' 'litigation,' 'regulatory advocacy,' 'brief drafting,' 'public interest,' and 'bar admission.' Use clear, standard headings and avoid graphics or unusual fonts to ensure ATS compatibility.
Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature can automate tailoring your resume with relevant keywords, identify and apply through multiple job portals, and suggest LinkedIn connections to network with, allowing you to focus your time on preparing for interviews and deepening your knowledge of Democracy Forward's work.
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