Call for Applications: Justice Fellowship 2026 – 2028 at the Center for Constitutional Rights, Apply Now
Apply by -October 8, 2025
The Center for Constitutional Rights is hiring Justice Fellows for 9/2026 – 9/2028.
The Justice Fellowship at the Center for Constitutional Rights is a two-year program for emerging lawyers (0-2 years out of law school) who are interested in gaining both practical experience working on cutting-edge social justice litigation and a theoretical understanding of how legal advocacy can create social change. The Center for Constitutional Rights will host a cohort of up to four Justice Fellows, starting in September 2026. This position requires a two-year commitment from September 2026 to September 2028.
Responsibilities
- Work with staff attorneys in conceiving, developing, and managing complex litigation that advances our organizational mission, including developing case theory, conducting factual and legal research, identifying appropriate clients, pursuing appropriate and strategic litigation opportunities, and filing claims in domestic and international forums
- Work with and assist staff attorneys in all aspects of litigation, including drafting pleadings, briefs, affidavits, and correspondence; taking and defending depositions; managing complex discovery, conducting negotiations with opposing counsel, appearing in court, and examining witnesses; and negotiating, implementing, and monitoring settlement agreements
- Work with staff attorneys and advocacy staff in the development and implementation of advocacy strategies in support of our clients, cases, and projects. Engage in public outreach and education efforts, including the drafting or reviewing of advocacy materials (such as reports, FAQs, and action alerts), participation in legislative efforts, and public speaking. Engage with community groups, cooperating attorneys, co-counsel, progressive lawyers, law students, legal groups, and other allies as appropriate and directed by supervising attorneys
- Support all aspects of communications department activity including reviewing press materials, responding to press inquiries, appearing in various media interviews, timely op-ed drafting, review and editing as appropriate
- Work with and supervise student interns and volunteers; where appropriate support work of pro bono or cooperating counsel assisting on our cases and projects
- Assist development department in managing individual and foundation relationships, including development and review of grant proposals, participation in donor meetings, fundraising and donor appreciation activities, and periodic out-of-state travel for development trips and activities
- Participate in trainings to strengthen litigation and movement lawyering skills
- Participate in departmental and organizational planning and organization-wide committees and carry out work as assigned
- Obtain bar membership and maintain good standing in New York State or in other state bars as appropriate, including fulfilling requirements for continuing legal education (CLE) and, where necessary, security clearance
- Other related work as requested by the Legal Director or the Deputy Legal Director
Qualifications
- J.D. degree, or comparable LL.M degree as of start date
- This program is meant for early-career lawyers, someone who is 0-2 years post receipt of their law degree. This means you received your Juris Doctor in 2024, 2025, or will receive it in 2026
- Commitment to the mission and goals of the Center for Constitutional Rights
- A demonstrated ability to conduct complex legal analysis and fact-finding
- Excellent research, writing, and verbal communication skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Proven ability to work independently as well as within a team
- Demonstrated commitment to social justice and human rights and creativity in crafting strategies to advance justice in our priority areas
- Commitment to working in and with communities affected by government misconduct and discrimination among other structures of institutional oppression
- Integrity, emotional intelligence, and a willingness to practice vulnerability, self-reflection, and accountability
- Willingness to travel
- Non-English language skills a plus
LOCATION: Some Center for Constitutional Rights staff are working remotely, and some are hybrid working onsite at our New York City headquarters, so Justice Fellows may have the option of being hybrid or remote. One of the Justice Fellows will be based in Mississippi, working with our CCR South team on projects primarily in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia.
Compensation
Salary is commensurate with experience and subject to union collective bargaining agreement. The current salary range for this position is $92,212 to $104,326.
Benefits include employer contribution to 401K plan and flexible spending account, vacation, sick leave, and holidays, and 100-percent organization-paid health benefits, including medical, dental, life, short- and long-term disability insurance.
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