Legal Fellowship, NIJC

About NIJC

Join the National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) as a legal fellow and help advance justice for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers through work that is both meaningful and deeply impactful. Fellows will have the opportunity to build practical legal skills, contribute to innovative advocacy and litigation strategies, and work closely with experienced immigration attorneys and advocates on issues affecting communities across the country. Through direct legal services, impact litigation, advocacy, and public education, NIJC provides fellows with invaluable exposure to the many ways public interest law can create lasting change. Headquartered in Chicago, with offices in Washington, DC, Indiana, and San Diego, NIJC's team of 100 attorneys, paralegals, and professionals, along with 2,000 pro bono attorneys, is at the forefront of immigrant rights reform.

Fellowship Program

NIJC invites rising third-year law students and recent law graduates to join NIJC as a legal fellow for up to two years, beginning in the fall of 2027. NIJC seeks to host fellows through programs including Equal Justice Works, the Skadden Foundation, Soros Fellowships, and other public interest fellowships, including law school funded programs.

For law students and recent graduates committed to immigrant justice, NIJC's legal fellowship offers the chance to build a meaningful public interest project with the support of a nationally recognized immigrant rights organization. NIJC will work with candidates to develop proposals for submission, helping tailor proposals to address important immigration rights issues.

Through This Fellowship, Candidates Will Have The Opportunity To

• Develop a project proposal focused on important and emerging immigrant rights issues.
• Receive mentorship and guidance from experienced immigration attorneys and advocates.
• Strengthen legal research, writing, advocacy, and case strategy skills.
• Contribute to meaningful mission-driven work that supports immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.
• Collaborate with NIJC staff on approaches to advancing immigrant justice.
  
  

How To Apply

• Submit a resume.
• Letter of Interest
• Law School Transcripts
• Writing Sample
  
  

Though we will consider applications on a rolling basis, applications should be submitted no later than July 24, 2026 to ensure sufficient time for selection and to prepare the fellowship proposals.

Physical Abilities Statement

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.
• The person in this position occasionally needs to move about the inside of the office to access filing cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a copy machine.
  
  

It is the policy of NIJC not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

For any technical issues please contact recruiting@immigrantjustice.org

By submitting your application, you acknowledge and consent to undergo a comprehensive background check as part of the employment process. This background check will be conducted in compliance with applicable state and federal laws.