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Legal Fellowship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Public Health Legal Fellowship

Queens, NY · On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

Public Health Law Fellowship Department: Legal Affairs Division: Office of General Counsel Bureau: Office of General Counsel Location : 42-09 28th Street, Long Island City, 11101 Reports to Title:

Prison Law Office

Jane Kahn Legal Fellow

Berkeley, CA · On-site +1

$107K - $134K/yr

The fellowship is named in honor of Jane Kahn, a pioneering, creative, and compassionate attorney ... Excellent analytical, legal research, and writing skills. * Strong oral advocacy skills.

ACLU of New Jersey

Fall 2026 Legal Fellow

Newark, NJ · On-site

$74K/yr

... fellowship in the Legal Department with a start date in September 2026. This internally funded opportunity is designed to provide emerging social justice leaders with excellent legal training and ...

ACLU of New Jersey

Fall 2026 Legal Fellow

Newark, NJ · Hybrid

$74K/yr

... fellowship in the Legal Department with a start date in September 2026. This internally funded opportunity is designed to provide emerging social justice leaders with excellent legal training and ...

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Legal Fellowship information

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$8

$29

$60

How much do legal fellowship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for legal fellowship in the United States is $29.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $33.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a legal fellowship?

A Legal Fellowship is a temporary, often competitive position for law graduates or early-career attorneys to gain practical legal experience and develop specialized skills. These fellowships may be offered by nonprofit organizations, government agencies, academic institutions, or law firms and typically last from one to two years. Fellows usually work under the supervision of experienced attorneys, engaging in research, litigation, policy work, or direct legal services. Legal Fellowships are valuable for building a professional network and enhancing a resume, especially for those interested in public interest law or academia.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a legal fellow, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Legal Fellow, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, strong legal research and writing skills, and a thorough understanding of relevant laws and procedures. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and sometimes bar admission or eligibility, are typically required. Exceptional analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication help you stand out in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for delivering high-quality legal analysis and support while advancing organizational or public interest goals.

What is the difference between Legal Fellowship vs Legal Associate?

AspectLegal FellowshipLegal Associate
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), often recent graduatesJuris Doctor (JD), licensed to practice law
Work EnvironmentNon-profit, public interest, or government settingsLaw firms, corporate legal departments, or government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageLegal aid organizations, government agencies, non-profitsPrivate law firms, corporations, government offices
Common Search & ComparisonLegal FellowshipLegal Associate

Legal Fellowships are typically short-term positions for recent law graduates focusing on public interest or policy work, often unpaid or low-paid. Legal Associates are licensed attorneys working in law firms or corporate settings, handling client cases and legal matters. While both roles require a JD, Fellowships emphasize training and public service, whereas Associates focus on client representation and legal practice.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a legal fellow expect during their fellowship?

Legal Fellows often work on a variety of projects that may include legal research, drafting memoranda, supporting litigation, and assisting with policy analysis. Depending on the host organization, fellows may also participate in client meetings, advocacy efforts, or community outreach. The work environment is typically collaborative, with fellows receiving mentorship from experienced attorneys and regular feedback. This exposure allows fellows to develop practical legal skills, deepen their subject-matter expertise, and build valuable professional networks for future career advancement.
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Legal Fellowship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Legal Fellowship job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,327 per year, or $29 per hour.

Legal Fellowship, NIJC

National Immigrant Justice Center

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

About NIJC
Join the National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) as a legal fellow and help advance justice for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers through work that is both meaningful and deeply impactful. Fellows will have the opportunity to build practical legal skills, contribute to innovative advocacy and litigation strategies, and work closely with experienced immigration attorneys and advocates on issues affecting communities across the country. Through direct legal services, impact litigation, advocacy, and public education, NIJC provides fellows with invaluable exposure to the many ways public interest law can create lasting change. Headquartered in Chicago, with offices in Washington, DC, Indiana, and San Diego, NIJC's team of 100 attorneys, paralegals, and professionals, along with 2,000 pro bono attorneys, is at the forefront of immigrant rights reform.
Fellowship Program
NIJC invites rising third-year law students and recent law graduates to join NIJC as a legal fellow for up to two years, beginning in the fall of 2027. NIJC seeks to host fellows through programs including Equal Justice Works, the Skadden Foundation, Soros Fellowships, and other public interest fellowships, including law school funded programs.
For law students and recent graduates committed to immigrant justice, NIJC's legal fellowship offers the chance to build a meaningful public interest project with the support of a nationally recognized immigrant rights organization. NIJC will work with candidates to develop proposals for submission, helping tailor proposals to address important immigration rights issues.
Through this fellowship, candidates will have the opportunity to:
  • Develop a project proposal focused on important and emerging immigrant rights issues.
  • Receive mentorship and guidance from experienced immigration attorneys and advocates.
  • Strengthen legal research, writing, advocacy, and case strategy skills.
  • Contribute to meaningful mission-driven work that supports immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.
  • Collaborate with NIJC staff on approaches to advancing immigrant justice.

How to Apply
  1. Submit a resume.
  2. Letter of Interest
  3. Law School Transcripts
  4. Writing Sample

Though we will consider applications on a rolling basis, applications should be submitted no later than July 24, 2026 to ensure sufficient time for selection and to prepare the fellowship proposals.
Physical Abilities Statement
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.
  • The person in this position occasionally needs to move about the inside of the office to access filing cabinets, office machinery, etc.
  • Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a copy machine.

It is the policy of NIJC not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status. 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.
For any technical issues please contact
By submitting your application, you acknowledge and consent to undergo a comprehensive background check as part of the employment process. This background check will be conducted in compliance with applicable state and federal laws.

Apply