Sponsored Legal Fellow
Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Asian Law Caucus
Based in San Francisco, CA
One-year or Two-year (dependent on funding), Temporary, Full-time, Exempt position; Hybrid Work Schedule
Applications are open on a rolling basis
Applications are due four months prior to the fellowship funding application deadline
The Opportunity
Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Asian Law Caucus (ALC) seeks a full-time legal fellow with a strong commitment to public interest and social justice. ALC is seeking candidates who have innovative project ideas that relate to one or more of our legal program areas. The position is contingent upon securing funding through a sponsoring organization.
The Legal Fellow will work with one of the legal programs at Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Asian Law Caucus (ALC) to advance and protect the civil rights of Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and other vulnerable communities. The Legal Fellow will be an integral part of either the National Security and Civil Rights and Criminal Justice Reform program, the two programs currently soliciting fellows.
The Organization
ALC is the nation’s first legal organization focusing on advancing and defending the civil rights of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (APIs). Since 1972, ALC has preserved affordable housing in San Francisco’s Chinatown, litigated high-profile civil rights cases, advocated for the passage of landmark policy changes, and provided an array of services, including community education, advocacy, and direct client representation to further the rights of low-income immigrants and communities of color. Current program areas include Housing Rights, Immigrant Rights, Criminal Justice Reform, National Security & Civil Rights, Workers’ Rights, and Voting Rights.
ALC is based in San Francisco, a hub of the Asian American civil rights movement, progressive politics, and social justice activism. Our location in Chinatown is the first mixed-use, affordable housing co-op in San Francisco, serving as a model for preserving affordable housing in the city and protecting tenants’ rights.
Responsibilities (training to be provided as needed)
- Conduct legal research and analysis on issues impacting Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.
- Assist staff attorneys in drafting legal documents such as briefs, pleadings, and motions for submission to courts and administrative agencies.
- Provide legal support and representation to clients through direct legal services, including consultations, intakes, and representation at hearings and in court.
- Develop and maintain relationships with community partners and coalitions to engage in policy advocacy and impact litigation.
- Assist in the development and implementation of advocacy campaigns, including policy research, drafting policy proposals, and engaging with elected officials and government agencies.
- Participate in trainings, workshops, and other community education activities to build knowledge and awareness on legal issues impacting Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.
Qualifications (required)
- Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school and admitted to practice law in California or eligible to practice under the supervision of a licensed California attorney.
- Strong legal research and writing skills, including experience drafting legal briefs and pleadings.
- Experience working with diverse communities, particularly low-income, immigrant, and/or limited English speaking communities.
- Demonstrated commitment to social justice and civil rights, particularly issues impacting Asian American Pacific Islander communities.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and community partners.
- Fluency in an API language, Arabic, and/or Spanish highly desirable
The position requires working with individuals who may be experiencing stress and instability. The position also requires the provision of culturally-sensitive and empathetic services.
Compensation and Benefits
ALC will supplement the salary and benefits provided by the fellowship program as needed to ensure parity with staff attorney positions.
This is a regular, one-year or two- year (dependent on funding), full-time, non-exempt position. The annual compensation depends on years of relevant experience; the range begins at $85,000 for first-year attorneys to $92,882 for third-year attorneys. ALC offers an additional $1,000 annual compensation for proficiency in a language other than English and an additional $1,000 annual compensation for graduate degree(s).
ALC’s comprehensive benefits package includes the following: generous vacation and paid holidays; medical, dental, disability, and life insurance coverage; a flexible spending account (FSA); and 401K retirement plan with employer non-elective contribution and match. This position is included in the collective bargaining unit represented by CWA Local 9410.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit the following:
- Cover letter explaining your interest in one to two program areas and a brief description of a project idea, including: personal background and connection to project idea, previous experience with the project’s subject matter, the gaps to be addressed and the way to address them. Projects will be finalized with the program manager.
- Resume
- Writing sample (no more than 5 pages)
- Three professional references
Advancing Justice – Asian Law Caucus is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply, regardless of race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, age, height, weight, sex, gender, sexual orientation, disability, HIV status, marital or domestic partner status, or religious affiliation.