Careers
Legal Fellow (Externally Funded)
The Opportunity
Brown’s Promise is soliciting applications from current law school students or recent graduates for sponsorship to serve as externally funded legal fellows to support our work to ensure that every child has access to well-resourced, integrated public schools. Applicants must have secured or be able to secure outside funding, such as through the Skadden, Equal Justice Works, Justice Catalyst, law school, or other competitive fellowship or grant programs. Upon accepting your application, Brown’s Promise staff will work with you to develop your project proposal, as needed, according to your funding source's timeline and other requirements. Applicants should plan to begin their fellowship in fall 2025.
Brown’s Promise Legal Fellows are involved in all aspects of our work, including legal research and writing, litigation, public policy advocacy, public education and community organizing, working to ensure that all children have access to well-resourced, integrated public schools in their communities.
Minimum Requirements
The ideal candidate meets the following requirements, embodying a strong commitment to educational equity and civil rights, as well as a desire to engage with diverse communities to advance racial justice.
A law degree, or expected by the spring of 2025;
A demonstrated commitment to education, equity, racial justice and civil rights;
Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills as demonstrated through professional experience, writing sample, and academic record;
Ability to work cooperatively on a variety of projects with all Brown’s Promise staff and to develop and maintain positive relationships with diverse clients and community organizations;
Effective written and oral communication skills in both legal and non- legal settings; and
Have been admitted to the bar or are scheduled to take a bar examination by the summer 2025.
Preference will be given to applicants who:
Have prior experience working with or ties to low-income communities of color;
Can demonstrate involvement in activities, employment, or scholarship that promotes education equity, desegregation, racial justice, inclusion and increased opportunity for historically marginalized communities; and,
Law school journal or clerkship experience.
Compensation
Applicant shall secure external funding; a comprehensive benefits package will be provided by Brown’s Promise, including medical, dental, vision, and retirement, as well as generous and flexible leave.
Location
Fully remote; preference may be given to applicants based in the D.C.-Maryland-Virginia area or the southeastern region of the United States. 5-25% travel expected.
To Apply
Please submit the following to jobs@brownspromise.org:
Resume
Cover letter
Three references
Legal writing sample- The legal writing sample must be the applicant’s original work—please indicate at the beginning of the document whether and the extent to which it has been edited by others.
Law school transcript
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. For questions or accommodations, please contact jobs@brownspromise.org.