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Legal Fellowship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Legal Fellow

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$62K/yr

The specific details of the ultimate fellowship project will be created in consultation and ... immigration legal services (please note that the specific details of the ultimate fellowship ...

Legal Fellow

Washington, DC · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Job Type Full-time Description The Cato Institute seeks a passionate Legal Fellow to join its Constitutional Studies team. Cato's Robert A. Levy Center for Constitutional Studies is ground zero for ...

Legal Fellow

Washington, DC · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

The Cato Institute seeks a passionate Legal Fellow to join its Constitutional Studies team. Cato's Robert A. Levy Center for Constitutional Studies is ground zero for cutting-edge constitutional ...

Legal Fellow

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$100K - $140K/yr

Description The Cato Institute seeks a passionate Legal Fellow to join its Constitutional Studies team. Cato's Robert A. Levy Center for Constitutional Studies is ground zero for cutting-edge ...

The fellowship itself would begin in fall 2027, so the applicant must graduate no later than summer 2027. The ACLU-DC has been successful in the past in hosting legal fellows with externally-funded ...

The Legal Fellow may also organize and implement larger community advocacy projects. Knowledge/Skill/Ability Equivalent Education/Experience * Good communication, organizational, research and writing ...

Legal Fellow (s)

New York, NY · On-site

$88K - $104K/yr

Legal Fellows work with Policy Integrity's economists, lawyers, and policy analysts to: * draft amicus briefs to the Supreme Court, D.C. Circuit, and other courts in major policy cases; * draft ...

Showing results 21-40

Legal Fellowship information

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$8

$29

$60

How much do legal fellowship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 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.
More about Legal Fellowship jobs
What cities are hiring for Legal Fellowship jobs? Cities with the most Legal Fellowship job openings:
What states have the most Legal Fellowship jobs? States with the most job openings for Legal Fellowship jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Legal Fellowship jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Legal Fellowship jobs are:
Infographic showing various Legal Fellowship job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,327 per year, or $29 per hour.

2026 Housing Justice Post-Graduate Legal Fellowship

Inner City Law Center

Los Angeles, CA

$70K - $82K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Housing Justice Post-Graduate Legal Fellowship

Tenant Defense Project

(Full-Time, Exempt Position)

Inner City Law Center (ICLC) is a nonprofit law firm located in the Skid Row neighborhood of Los Angeles. We are looking for extraordinary people to help us end homelessness in Los Angeles. Founded on the fundamental principle that every person should always be treated with dignity and respect, ICLC fights for justice for low-income tenants, working-poor families, people who are disabled or experiencing homelessness, people living with HIV/AIDS, and homeless veterans. We know that the best way to end homelessness is to prevent it from happening in the first place.

Fellowship Project: We invite current 3Ls and recent law school graduates to join our fight to prevent homelessness by applying for a Housing Justice Fellowship. Fellows will engage in fast-paced eviction defense litigation with opportunities to work directly with clients; handle all stages of cases from pleadings to discovery, motions, hearings, settlement, and trial; participate in community outreach and education efforts; and work with private law firms providing pro bono representation to ICLC’s clients. Fellows will also go through a rigorous training curriculum and receive targeted and in-depth guidance and mentorship throughout their fellowship. Through their work, Fellows will preserve safe and affordable housing for ICLC clients.

Hiring Criteria: Commitment to ICLC’s mission and values. Demonstrated commitment to tenants’ rights, social justice, or public interest law. Entry level (0-2 years) of experience. California Bar Membership or plans to take the California bar exam in Spring/Summer 2026. Bright, good judgment, and works well with clients and team members. Strong research, writing, and analytical skills. Organized, detail oriented, and able to assume responsibility quickly and independently in a rapidly growing organization. Must have access to reliable transportation.

Commitment amp; Compensation: This will be full-time, two-year fellowships working with our Eviction Defense team starting in Fall 2026. Salary ranges from $70,304 to $82,500, depending on California Bar passage and years of experience. Excellent benefits.

How to apply: Cover letters and resumes are reviewed upon receipt and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. To apply, please upload your resume and cover letter detailing interest in the position here: https://innercitylaw.org/apply/. Applications will not be considered if both resume and cover letter are not provided.

Inner City Law Center is committed to having a diverse staff and an equitable and inclusive workplace. To read our full DEI Statement, please click here.

ICLC is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to their race, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, age, disability, marital status, or medical condition. All qualified applicants with criminal histories shall be considered in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring. 

To keep our staff and clients safe, ICLC requires all staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and undergo TB testing upon hire.