Dorot Fellow 2026-2028

Job title

2026-2028 Dorot Fellowship

Reports to

Research and Advocacy Director, Federal Courts

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt Position

Alliance for Justice (AFJ), a national association of nearly 150 organizations dedicated to advancing justice and democracy, and Alliance for Justice Action Campaign (AFJ Action), an affiliated advocacy organization, are seeking a Dorot Fellow housed in our Justice Program. The Dorot Fellowship is a public interest fellowship offered to a recent law school graduate for the term of September 2026 through August 2028.

AFJ envisions a vibrant, ambitious, multi-racial democracy where historically marginalized voices are amplified to upend exclusionary systems and center justice in our institutions of power. AFJ builds the strength of progressive movements with training and education for nonprofit organizations on advocacy, while harnessing their collective power to transform our state and federal courts.

AFJ has two primary programs:

• Our Justice Program works to ensure that the federal judiciary protects our democracy and advances other core constitutional values, preserves human rights and access to justice, and adheres to the administration of justice for all. An essential part of this program is working to research judicial nominees and hold elected leaders accountable for their records. We also promote structural and policy reforms to ensure our courts provide equal justice under the law;
• Our Bolder Advocacy Program works with nonprofits and foundations to help them navigate the rules surrounding 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and PACs so they can be more courageous and effective in their advocacy.

AFJ Action promotes a national conversation about the importance of the courts by educating and mobilizing progressive advocates and voters. We educate voters and encourage them to fight for judges who will protect our rights. AFJ Action also holds elected leaders accountable for the judges they appoint to the bench. We arm advocates, elected officials, and the media with the tools to evaluate and take action on judicial candidates.

Description:

Alliance for Justice educates Senate offices, the public, and the press to ensure the most qualified and fair-minded candidates are nominated to the federal bench and to help our justice system reflect America’s diversity. AFJ’s Justice Program works to identify and advocate for the nomination and confirmation of demographically and experientially diverse judges with a demonstrated commitment to equal justice and ensures that judicial nominees that do not share these values are identified and opposed. Dorot Fellows assist with this work by vetting potential nominees, attending Senate Judiciary Committee hearings, meeting with coalition members, and preparing reports on nominees’ records.

Dorot Fellows conduct extensive research on nominees’ records, including issues related to protections for workers, consumers, the environment and civil rights for women, communities of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, and persons with disabilities.

The Justice Program also analyzes Supreme Court and lower federal court decisions that roll back hard-won protections and rights of everyday Americans. Under the leadership of Chief Justice John Roberts, the Court has radically interpreted laws to protect corporate interests and threaten the rights of people of color, women, workers, immigrants, and LGBTQ+ people. Dorot Fellows track federal court decisions affecting the legal rights of everyday Americans, educate the public on efforts to narrow those rights, and work with our allies to advance legislation that will enhance Americans’ access to justice.

Responsibilities:

• • Monitor federal judicial nominations and update tracking systems.
  • Conduct research analyzing nominees’ records and draft reports for the press, the public, coalition partners, and Senate offices. Attend, monitor, and report on Senate Judiciary Committee hearings.
  • Attend and staff coalition meetings.
  • Monitor, analyze, and write about Supreme Court and lower federal court cases.
  • Advocate and provide recommendations on legislation related to access to justice and judicial reform issues.
  • Conduct research and analysis on a broad array of public interest law issues.
  • Produce a biweekly newsletter related to key updates on the federal courts and judicial nominations.
  • Work with Communications and Outreach teams to draft press releases, blog posts, web content, and grant proposals as necessary, and participate in press and outreach activities.
  • Staff, schedule, and attend meetings with congressional staff.
  • Oversee the work of summer associates and volunteer legal researchers.
  • Perform other duties as necessary.

Qualifications

• JD degree.
• Excellent research, writing, and oral communications skills.
• Ability to analyze and clearly explain concepts of law and public policy.
• An interest in federal appellate law and the federal judiciary.
• Experience in advocacy and/or political work.
• A demonstrated commitment to the public interest.
• Experience in civil rights, labor, environmental, consumer and/or constitutional law preferred;
• Ability to work quickly under pressure, with shifting deadlines and priorities;
• Attention to detail;
• Ability to work collegially with others; and
• Strong interpersonal skills and positive attitude.

Salary and Benefits:

This is a non-exempt union position covered under the terms of a collective bargaining agreement with the Washington-Baltimore News Guild, CWA Local 32035, which includes salary minimums based on job position category. The Dorot Fellow position is in Group 3 and has a salary minimum of $75,000.

We also offer a comprehensive and generous benefits program, including:

Health

We offer medical, dental, vision benefits, covering all associated premiums, as well as an employee assistance program for physical and mental well-being.

Savings

Save for retirement with our employer matching 401K plan where we provide a 5% annual contribution. Other insurances include life and disability where premiums are also covered.

Time

We have a generous paid time off policy including, but not limited to, 11 vacation days, federal holidays, 15 sick days, 3 personal days, 3 floating holidays and 5 days of bereavement each year.

Family

We provide a range of paid and unpaid family leave programs that allow our employees to bond with and care for their children and other dependents.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer and communicate with others while doing so. On occasions, travel by train and airplane. Ability to work long hours when needed. All employees must satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities of their positions. The essential duties and responsibilities listed above are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Work Environment

This is a full-time position that has a hybrid work schedule (combination of in-person and remote work). General office working conditions, the noise level in the office is usually quiet. Some occasional evening and weekend hours may be required.

Direct Reports

This position has no direct reports.

Racial Equity

Our employees share our commitment to increasing racial diversity in our movement and organization, integrating justice and equity into the work we do, and ensuring an inclusive organizational culture.

Disclaimer

This description is intended to provide an overview of this position and is not all-inclusive. The incumbent in this position will be expected to perform other duties as required. Responsibilities may change over time. This description is provided for informational purposes only and does not form the basis of a contract.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Alliance for Justice provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

How to Apply

Qualified applicants please submit to Dorot Fellow 2026-2028 a letter of interest, resume, writing sample and transcript on our website at https://www.afj.org/about/careers. (NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE).

If you require reasonable

accommodations during any part of the hiring process, please email

alicia.peyton@afj.org.

Excellent Benefits