Join Our Team

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.

If you are a talented professional who wants to use your skills and hard work to further the cause of civil rights and civil justice, please consider applying for a career at the Lawyers’ Committee.

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.

We strongly encourage candidates of color and candidates from underrepresented communities to apply. Positions will remain open until filled, and applications will be reviewed as received. Salary and benefits are competitive for a nonprofit legal organization.

Fellowship Opportunities

LAWYERS’ COMMITTEE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMS

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 development groups, legislative and public policy advocacy, and public education on important civil rights matters. Please read below for deadlines and additional information and contact fellowship@lawyerscommittee.org with any questions.

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.

Applicants are welcome to apply concurrently for one or more fellowship opportunities at the Lawyers’ Committee.

Externally Funded Legal Fellowships

FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

The Lawyers’ Committee offers legal fellowship opportunities for recent law school graduates and practicing attorneys to serve as legal fellows in our project groups. These fellowships provide an invaluable opportunity to become familiar with civil rights practice by working with many of the nation’s leading civil rights experts at the Lawyers’ Committee’s national office in Washington, DC. Our fellows become involved with substantive legal work, including co-counseling litigation with prominent law firms and non-litigation activities such as transactional legal services, legislative and public policy advocacy, and public education on important civil rights matters. These fellowships are particularly well-suited for law school bridge fellows, firm lawyers with support to take time away from their practice to focus solely on public interest work, or other attorneys who have obtained outside funding to support a fellowship term.

Current Fellowship Opportunities

FAQs about Fellowships at the Lawyers’ Committee

What materials are required in a fellowship application?
All fellowship applications require the same initial submissions: (1) a resume, (2) a cover letter, (3) a legal writing sample, and (4) an official or unofficial transcript. Those who are selected to interview may also be asked to submit additional information, including contact information for professional references, a short project proposal, etc.
What does the Lawyers’ Committee look for in fellowship applicants?
First and foremost, applicants should be able to demonstrate an existing commitment to racial justice, as well as a projected intention to pursue a career in social justice work. Strong applicants will also articulate an understanding of the political, social, and economic forces that inform thefight for racial justice, have a firm grasp of the effects of those dynamics on their proposed project, and an interest in utilizing the kinds of legal and advocacy interventions in which the Lawyers’ Committee currently engages.
Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to apply for a fellowship?
However, in compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States, and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
Is there a GPA cut-off for Lawyers’ Committee fellowships?
The Lawyers’ Committee is interested in working with fellows who are committed to racial justice and our mission. We are looking for demonstrated excellence in this work, and understand that a GPA is not the only way a person can demonstrate excellence.
Where should I direct additional questions?

Please reach out to us at fellowship@lawyerscommittee.org. We will do our best to respond within 5 business days.

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.

Employee Benefits Overview

Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law

Employee Benefits Overview

Employees are the crucial system underpinning the Lawyers’ Committee’s ability to grow and thrive. Therefore, offering competitive benefits is extremely important to achieving our goals and objectives. It is important because it shows that the organization is invested in your overall health and your future.

The Lawyers’ Committee offers a competitive benefits package with our employees’ needs in mind. Our benefits include:

96% Employer Paid Medical Insurance (HMO)
96% Employer Paid Dental Insurance
100% Voluntary Vision Insurance
100% Employer Paid Group Life and AD&D Insurance
Voluntary Supplemental Life Insurance Options
Voluntary Short-Term Disability
Voluntary Long-Term Disability
Employee Funded 403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Match Contributions
Employee Funded Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account Plans
Pre-Tax Commuter and Parking Benefits w/ Employer Paid Monthly Stipend
Employer Paid Monthly Cell Phone Stipend
Ability Assist Counsel Services (Employee Assistance Program)
Identity Theft Full Remediation Services
On-Call 24-Hour Travel Assistance Services
Fifteen (15) to Twenty-Five (25) Days of Annual Leave Based on Length of Employment
Twelve (12) days of Sick Leave without limitation from year-to-year
Paid Parental Leave
Paid Family Leave
Paid Medical Leave
Twelve (12) Paid Holidays
Self-Care Days
Monthly Telework Option For Eligible/Approved Employees
On-Site Nursing Room
Employee Dining/Lounge Area Used for Dining, Rest, and Group Activity
Multiple Communal Spaces Throughout Office for Convening
Adjustable Elevated Desks in Most Offices
Rooftop Terrace
Spa-Inspired On-Site, Full-Service Fitness Center and Shower (No Fee)
Committee Dedicated to Promoting Professional Development Opportunities
Committee Dedicated to Improve the Core Benefits Offered at the Lawyers’ Committee, and to Advocate for Comprehensive Benefits which Meet the Needs of a Diverse Workforce
Annual Staff Retreat
Monthly Team Building Activities (Yacht Ride, Monthly Birthday Celebration, Sip & Paint, Holiday Events, Vision Boarding, etc.)
Full-Staff and Special Training Programs (Media Training, LGBTQ, Implicit Bias, Leadership, etc.)

Please note that this Benefits Overview is provided for informational purposes only and is not a guarantee of benefits or employment with the Lawyers’ Committee. The Lawyers’ Committee reserves the right to amend or terminate any employee benefit program at any time.

Volunteer Internship Program

The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights hosts Legal/Graduate Volunteer Interns and Undergraduate/Recent Graduate Volunteer Interns. The Lawyers’ Committee is unable to pay any portion of the applicant’s salary or provide assistance with securing housing during the internship period. However, we are happy to work with students so that they may receive academic credit or outside funding for their work. Students who complete this internship will gain invaluable experience in the field of civil rights and exposure to the exciting work of a non-profit legal organization.

Summer interns are expected to work 30 hours a week for 10 weeks during the summer. Starting in the summer of 2022, summer interns (both legal and undergraduate/recent graduate) will have the opportunity to receive a stipend to support their participation in the program.

Fall and spring interns with a full course load must work a minimum of 10 to 15 hours a week during the fall and spring semesters, and 20 hours without a full course load. Students should be able to commute to the Committee’s downtown office for at least two days a week during the academic year. Full-time interns are also accepted. Fall and spring interns typically attend colleges and universities in or around the metropolitan District of Columbia region, although the Lawyers’ Committee is also happy to host students participating in externship or academic exchange programs.

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.

We strongly encourage applications from candidates of color and candidates from underrepresented communities. Positions will remain open until filled, and applications will be reviewed as received.

Note: We are unable to accept phone calls due to a high number of application submissions. Please email your questions about our internship program or to check on the status of your application to internship@lawyerscommittee.org. We will notify applicants whom we choose to interview by e-mail.

Legal/Graduate Volunteer Internship Program

The Lawyers’ Committee hosts interns in the fall, spring and summer semesters, with flexible start dates. Law and graduate students who complete an internship with the Lawyers’ Committee will gain invaluable experience in the field of civil rights and exposure to the exciting work of a non-profit legal organization.

Internship Requirements

At a minimum, all applicants should possess:

Strong research and writing abilities, and
A demonstrated commitment to civil rights and/or social justice

We are unable to pay any portion of the applicant’s salary or provide assistance with securing housing during the internship period. However, we are happy to work with students so that they may receive academic credit or outside funding for their work.

Job Description

Law student interns are assigned to work primarily with one of the following projects or initiatives:

Graduate student interns are typically assigned to work with the Public Policy Project.

Although assignments for each intern vary by project, students are generally asked to draft legal documents, write legal research memoranda, and conduct factual investigations. Legal interns work under the close supervision of experienced civil rights attorneys.

Undergraduate/Recent Graduate Volunteer Internship Program

Overview

The Lawyers’ Committee hosts undergraduate students and recent college graduates as interns in the fall, spring and summer semesters. Students who complete an internship with the Lawyers’ Committee will gain invaluable experience in the field of civil rights and exposure to the exciting work of a non-profit legal organization.

Internship Requirements

At a minimum, all applicants should possess:

Strong research and writing abilities, and
A demonstrated commitment to civil rights and/or social justice

Summer interns are expected to work full time for at least 10 weeks, typically starting in June.

Fall and spring interns with a full course load are expected to work a minimum of 10-15 hours/week for at least 10 weeks. Full-time (or close to full-time) interns are also accepted. Fall interns typically start in September and spring interns typically start in January. We are unable to pay fall or summer interns. However, we are happy to work with students so that they may receive academic credit or outside funding for their work.

All materials should be submitted The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law accepts applications for undergrad/recent grad interns on a rolling basis. Internship placements are typically finalized at least a month before the start of each term, after our team reviews the application materials and conducts interviews.

Program Description

Student interns are assigned to work primarily with one of the following projects or initiatives:

Although assignments for each intern vary by project, students are generally asked to conduct policy and legal research, support client outreach and factual investigation, and provide administrative support. Interns work closely with experienced civil rights attorneys.

For questions about our internship program, please send email internship@lawyerscommittee.org. We do not accept application materials that are sent to this email. Please submit all application materials in one combined PDF through the link above. Decisions will be made on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged.