Now Hiring: Legal Fellow (Fall 2026)
Position Overview
Open City Advocates seeks to host a Legal Fellow for projects through the Equal Justice Works Fellowship, Justice Catalyst Fellowship, and other public interest fellowships to begin in Fall 2026. Open City Advocates will consider any projects related to our mission, and we welcome the opportunity to discuss and develop project ideas with the applicant.
Key Functions & Responsibilities
Individual Representation for DC Youth
Provide holistic, trauma-informed representation for approximately 5 youth committed to DYRS.
Attend team meetings and engage in informal client advocacy with DYRS.
Represent youth in institutional disciplinary hearings.
Represent youth in Community Status Review Hearings (revocation hearings).
Work with trial attorneys to provide mitigation information.
Support for Adult Clients
Support young people transitioning back to DC after a period of incarceration.
Draft sentencing letters in support of clients facing charges in DC Superior Court.
Connect clients to reentry and social services in DC.
Liaising with criminal defense attorney.
Systemic Advocacy
Attend coalition meetings with community partners.
Engage in systemic advocacy to support policies that support our youth and their families and communities.
Qualifications
Ideal candidates will be law students entering their third year at the time of application or recent graduates who remain eligible for such fellowships.
Membership or eligibility for membership in the DC bar is required by the start date.
Demonstrated commitment to providing legal services to youth of diverse backgrounds.
Experience in juvenile and/or criminal justice is strongly preferred. Relevant law school clinical experience will be considered.
Experience providing direct legal services.
Knowledge of trauma-informed practices.
Excellent research, writing, and verbal communication skills.
Commitment to working collaboratively with community partners.
Spanish language proficiency is a plus, but not required.
Compensation and Benefits
The Fellow will be paid by applying for outside fellowship funding. Fellowships will only commence if outside funding is granted.
Open City Advocates’ benefits include:
Health, dental, and vision insurance, with OCA covering 90% of an individual policy.
Paid federal and DC holidays, sick leave, and 15 days of vacation.
401(k) matching program (4% after first 3 months).
Flexible, hybrid work schedule with at least 2-3 days per week in person.
Application Instructions and Deadline
To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to Open City Advocates’ Legal Director, Raymond Ngu, at raymond@opencityadvocates.org. In the cover letter, please be sure to include a description of potential fellowship project proposals.
Please submit materials by 5 PM on Wednesday, August 13, 2025.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility
Open City Advocates embraces diversity of identity, experience, ability, and thought, and we are an equal opportunity employer. We are actively striving to create and support diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in our staff, board of directors, client services, systemic reform efforts, and strategic direction. We encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ persons, differently-abled and neurodiverse people, and those with lived experience with the justice system to apply for all positions.