DC Justice Lab is a team of law and policy experts researching, organizing, and advocating for large-scale changes to the District of Columbia’s criminal legal system. We develop smarter safety solutions that are evidence-driven, community-rooted, and racially just. We aim to fully transform the District’s approach to public safety and make it a national leader in justice reform.

JOB SUMMARY

The DC Justice Lab Skadden/Equal Justice Works Fellowship is designed for emerging leaders committed to addressing the root causes of criminal justice issues in the District of Columbia and advocating for smart, evidence-based public safety solutions. Over the course of the Fellowship, Fellows will develop the skills needed to become successful movement lawyers. They will receive training and support while working on criminal policy reform projects in the District. These projects will include research, policy development, advocacy, training, and the opportunity to work directly with individuals impacted by the criminal legal system.

Fellowship applicants must secure funding from an external source with DC Justice Lab hosting their Fellowship. A proposal (e.g., a campaign idea) will be required for applicants who seek external funding, as this is typically a prerequisite for external funders. 

DC Justice Lab is the host organization for the Fellowship sponsored by Skadden/Equal Justice Works.

Both Skadden and Equal Justice Works establish unique deadlines to apply and durations of funding for the Fellowship. Please confirm with those organizations what those dates are to apply for this role.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Hands-on experience in advocacy and policy reform;
• Mentorship from experienced leaders in the field;
• A collaborative and supportive environment; and
• The opportunity to make a tangible impact on our community.

REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must qualify for sponsorship by the Skadden and/or Equal Justice Works fellowship programs. These programs generally require that applicants be law students entering their third year or recent graduates who expect to complete a judicial clerkship in the summer of 2025. Applicants should also have a commitment to a career in the public interest and a desire to work in a collaborative environment. 

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS INCLUDE:

• Membership or eligibility for membership in the D.C. Bar is required.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States without employer sponsorship;
• Strong commitment to social, economic, and racial justice;
• Excellent legal research and writing skills;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, and comfort working with colleagues across departments;
• Strong organizational skills with excellent attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple assignments on different timelines; and
• Ability to work skillfully, both independently and collaboratively with teams; and

SALARY + BENEFITS

The Skadden/Equal Justice Works Fellowship is sponsored externally and hosted by DC Justice Lab. The incumbent will earn $60,000 during their Fellowship and will enjoy the following generous benefits package:

• Medical: 100% employer coverage of premium (for employee only);
• Dental/Vision: 100% employer coverage of premium (for employee only). Insurance is provided through either Aetna or Metlife;
• Short-term disability: 100% employer paid coverage through MetLife;
• AD&D/Life Insurance: 100% employer paid coverage through MetLife;
• 401(k): automatic 3% employer contribution toward your retirement fund, regardless of your contribution rate. Administered through Empower; and
• A host of perks, including self-managed, unlimited PTO; more than a dozen paid holidays off; Black August (office is closed every Monday during the month of August); staff lunches and happy hours; and more.

REMOTE FIRST ORGANIZATION

DC Justice Lab is a remote-first organization, but the Skadden/Equal Justice Works Fellow must live in the DC area (the District of Columbia, adjacent Maryland counties, or Northern Virginia) and be able to work from our office semi-regularly.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

DC Justice Lab is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to you without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital status, age, veteran status, medical condition or disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other protected status under federal, state, or local law.DC Justice Lab is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to you without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital status, age, veteran status, medical condition or disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other protected status under federal, state, or local law.