Equal Justice Works/Skadden Fellow

Legal Aid DC seeks applicants to sponsor for an Equal Justice Works or Skadden Fellowship. The Fellow will work with the Housing Law Unit and Impact Litigation Program on a project to provide high-quality direct legal services to tenant associations. Specifically, the Fellow will work with tenant associations to accomplish their goals, including preserving affordable housing and preventing displacements in residential rental properties that are in bankruptcy and foreclosure. Legal Aid will work with the Fellow, once selected, through the application process to seek funding.

Since 1932, Legal Aid has provided civil legal assistance to clients in individual cases and engaged in systemic reform. Currently, we provide individual representation in consumer law, domestic violence/family law, housing, public benefits, and appellate matters. We also work on immigration matters and help individuals with the collateral consequences of their involvement with the criminal justice system. From the experiences of our clients, we identify opportunities for law reform, public policy advocacy, and systemic impact and appellate litigation.

Legal Aid DC believes that meaningful pursuit of our anti-poverty mission requires an unwavering commitment to racial justice and equity. We aspire both to reflect the rich racial diversity of the communities we serve and to value, respect, and empower our staff and clients to be effective agents of change. For more information about Legal Aid please visit our website, www.LegalAidDC.org.

Responsibilities

• Represent residential tenants whose landlords have declared bankruptcy.


• Represent residential tenants whose landlords are going through foreclosure.


• Conduct “Know Your Rights” trainings regarding bankruptcy and foreclosure systems.


• Develop self-help materials for residential tenants whose landlords are in bankruptcy or foreclosure proceedings.


• Develop trainings for community-based organizations and legal services partners regarding bankruptcy and foreclosure.


• Track bankruptcy and foreclosure filings of residential landlords.


• Advocate for law reform as necessary regarding residential landlord bankruptcy and foreclosures.


• Conduct intakes for applicants seeking assistance from Legal Aid DC.

Qualifications

• Membership or eligibility for membership in the DC bar is required.


• A demonstrated commitment to social, economic and racial justice.


• Strong legal analysis, organizational, oral and written communication, and leadership skills.


• The ability to work collaboratively with clients, Legal Aid DC staff, and legal and social services providers in other organizations.


• Fluency or proficiency in Spanish, Amharic, or another language prevalent in Legal Aid DC’s client community preferred but not required.

Salary and Benefits

The Fellow will be paid by applying for outside fellowship funding from either Equal Justice Works or Skadden fellowship programs. Fellowships will only commence if outside funding is granted. If fellowship funding is lower than Legal Aid’s salary scale, Legal Aid will pay the fellow the additional amount to bring them up to the appropriate salary.

• Pre-bar attorney or attorney with less than one year of experience: $71,054


• Attorney with one year full-time legal work experience: $73,591


• Attorney with two years full-time legal work experience: $75,752

Legal Aid offers a generous benefit package, including eligibility for fully paid health insurance, annual retirement match, 13 paid holidays, 20 days of annual leave per year, and 15 days of sick leave per year.

Click here for full salary scale and additional benefits information.

The position is included in the bargaining unit represented by the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW Local 2320. New hires start with a 90-day probationary period before they are considered full-time, regular employees.

To Apply

Legal Aid values an inclusive, diverse workplace and encourages applications from interested persons from diverse backgrounds of any race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, personal appearance, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

We strongly encourage applications from people with personal experience with criminal justice system and/or with lived experience in the communities we serve. Interested persons should submit a letter of interest and resume here. Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted. Position has a closing date of July 31, 2025. No emails or phone calls, please.