Legal Fellowship 2026-2027

Democracy Forward Foundation is seeking to sponsor rising third-year law students and recent law school graduates for public interest fellowship funding. Fellows will start in fall 2026 and should be fewer than three years post-law school graduation at the time their fellowship commences. Fellows should have graduated from law school and taken a bar exam before their fellowship would commence in fall 2026. Job responsibilities for Democracy Forward Foundation Fellows typically include partnering with other Democracy Forward Foundation lawyers in proceedings in federal and state courts and before federal and state agencies, including helping advise clients on strategy, risks, and objectives; performing legal research and drafting legal documents, including substantive briefs for parties and amici, motions, comments, and/or other court or regulatory filings; assisting Democracy Forward Foundation lawyers in preparing for arguments, hearings, and/or other court appearances; monitoring and screening cases and providing recommendations for instances where Democracy Forward Foundation should consider getting involved in litigation or engage in regulatory advocacy. Fellows will be included in Democracy Forward Foundation meetings analyzing substantive issues and likely have opportunities to participate in meetings with clients, which include nonprofit organizations, unions, local government entities, and other entities, as well as other outside stakeholders. Those selected for a fellowship will be extended an offer for a one-year fellowship with the possibility of extension for a second year based on performance and organizational needs. First-year Fellows will be offered an annual salary of $70,000, contingent on the receipt of external funding, and will have access to a generous benefits package including flexible vacation time and health, dental, and vision benefits. The organization currently operates a flexible, hybrid working model, but Fellows are expected to work from the Washington, DC office an average of 3 days a week, consistent with reasonable accommodations. Democracy Forward Foundation is an equal opportunity employer valuing diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including people of color, LGBTQ individuals, women, people with disabilities, and veterans. All lawyer positions require a law degree and active membership in the bar of a state or the District of Columbia. The organization encourages candidates with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds to apply, including those new to mission-based legal and policy work, returning to work after a gap, or looking to transition or advance their career.