Local Government Law Fellowship

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities and is among is the top ten research universities in the nation for federal research expenditures as well as for federally funded social and behavioral sciences research and development.

Here at Carolina, our highly skilled postdocs play a vital role in our research enterprise and towards our overall commitment to research excellence. Across many disciplines, postdocs contribute to the intellectual vitality of the University. They provide innovative ideas and perspectives, foster a stimulating research environment and advance knowledge within their fields. Postdocs are crucial members of our scientific research workforce, contributors to our research outputs and an important reason why Carolina is one of the leading public research institutions in the country.

UNC-Chapel Hill offers postdocs comprehensive medical and vision coverage, paid leave, and benefits and services that support professional development and a healthy work/life balance. Chapel Hill regularly ranks as one of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, a reputation guided by the diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

As the largest university-based local government training, advisory, and research organization in the United States, the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Government offers more than 200 courses, webinars, and specialized conferences for more than 12,000 public officials each year. Established as the Institute of Government in 1931, the School of Government's mission is to improve the lives of North Carolinians by engaging in practical scholarship that helps public officials understand and improve state and local government.

The School offers a nationally ranked Master of Public Administration program - on campus and online - to prepare public service leaders. The School is also home to entrepreneurial and innovative initiatives that research, advise, and train in areas including public leadership, judicial education, technology, environmental finance, and development finance, among others.

For more information about the School, visit sog.unc.edu.

SOG invites applications for the inaugural Local Government Law Fellowship, a 12-month professional development program designed to prepare a recent law graduate for a career in local government law. The Fellow will be based out of SOG in Chapel Hill and will have the opportunity to participate in SOG trainings and complete research and writing assignments related to local government law under the guidance of SOG faculty. The Fellow will also complete a supervised field placement with a local government during the fellowship term to gain firsthand experience in local government law and operations.

JD by May 2026.

-Strong research, writing, and communication skills.
-Ability to travel for occasional field placements in nearby local governments. This includes valid driver's license and you must have reliable transportation.
-Commitment to serving North Carolina communities, especially small and mid-sized jurisdictions.

-Intent to sit for North Carolina Bar Exam in July 2026.
-Experience or interest in practicing local government law.
-Coursework or internships focused on public law, municipal governance, or administrative law.

For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here

Will be reviewing applications and conducting interviews through the end of January 2026.

Please provide at least 2 references and a 3-5 page writing sample.

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University's Office of Postdoctoral Affairs at (919) 962-9982 or send an email to opahr@unc.edu.

Please note: The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.