Legal Fellow – Fall 2027

Law Forward seeks a Legal Fellow to join a growing and dynamic impact litigation nonprofit in Fall 2027.

The ideal candidate will be an early-career lawyer seeking to develop their legal career in the area of fair elections and equitable functioning of state and local government. They will have a desire to think creatively and strategically about legal tools and processes to hold government accountable. They will have a proven ability to use legal research and tools to address challenges in the law. They will be energized by working collaboratively with their colleagues within Law Forward, the co-counsel with whom we partner, and the clients we serve to conceptualize, develop, and bring legal challenges designed to safeguard our clients’ participation in Wisconsin’s democratic processes.

Who we are: Law Forward is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, created to preserve fundamental democratic principles, revive Wisconsin’s commitment to clean and open government, and promote a progressive vision through impact litigation, working within administrative processes, and public education. Since launching in October 2020, Law Forward has led the fight for fair maps, fought to protect the freedom to vote, resisted bad-faith efforts to undermine confidence in the democratic system, and demanded accountability for the election sabotage efforts of well-funded anti-democracy actors including Elon Musk and others.

What You’ll Do: Legal Fellows are an integral part of the Law Forward litigation strategy and public education campaigns. That work includes:

1.    Drafting legal briefs with Law Forward attorneys and co-counsel.

2.    Researching novel legal questions.

3.    Communicating with clients and allies around the state and the nation about our shared work and goals.

4.    Monitoring litigation and policy developments at the state and federal level that impact Law Forward’s mission.

5.    Drafting non-legal communications for policy reports, Law Forward’s blog, and op-eds.

Who you are and keys to success. You:

Are admitted to practice in Wisconsin or are eligible to be admitted within 1 year. You are a relatively recent law school graduate (within 4 years) and have some courtroom or client experience as a lawyer, clerk, or law student. A demonstrated ability to prioritize under stress and a sense of humor are a plus.

Have strong legal research and writing skills. You will have a demonstrated track record of drafting legal briefs, memos, and/or pleadings.

Are committed to Law Forward’s mission. Law Forward exists to protect and strengthen our democracy. Law Forward stands for a commitment to fair, transparent, and representative government, and to ensuring Wisconsinites can participate in free, fair elections where their votes count and are counted. 

Comfort with technology and experience using multiple communications and research platforms. Experience and proficiency using Westlaw is necessary, as is the ability to learn new tools.

What Else You Should Know: The Legal Fellow position is a limited-term opportunity, and the person chosen for the position will join the Law Forward team for approximately two academic years. We anticipate a start date in Fall 2027. Law Forward is an equal opportunity employer, and we value having staff who come from communities that reflect the diversity of our state, the clients we represent, and the groups with which we collaborate in our legal work. We encourage people of color, LGBTQ people, and people with disabilities to apply.

The position is full-time and based in Madison, Wisconsin. There is an opportunity for some remote work. The salary for this position ranges from $62,000 to $80,000, with an exact salary commensurate with experience.

Law Forward offers competitive benefits such as full health, dental, and vision insurance coverage for its employees, and 50% coverage for spouses and dependents. We also provide group life, accidental death and dismemberment, and short-term disability insurance. We offer five weeks of paid time off in addition to 10 paid holidays, and we have a retirement savings plan option for employees after three full months of employment.

How to Apply: Please send a cover letter, resume and writing sample to info@lawforward.org. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis.