Call for Fellowship Proposals: 2026-2028

Volunteer Legal Advocates (formerly DC Volunteer Lawyers Project) is breaking the cycle of violence for survivors and children through pro bono legal aid. We recruit, train, and support a dedicated network of volunteer attorneys who provide free legal representation to survivors of domestic violence, immigrant survivors of gender-based violence, and vulnerable children in dangerous situations. With hands-on staff support, our volunteers handle protection orders, custody, and immigration cases, serve as court-appointed attorneys for children, and staff walk-in clinics that offer legal guidance, safety planning, and referrals to essential resources. Our innovative model expands access to justice for thousands of clients at no cost to them. Volunteer Legal Advocates offers a competitive salary, a full range of benefits, a generous vacation and holiday policy, and a collegial work environment. Learn more at VolunteerLegalAdvocates.org.

Volunteer Legal Advocates seeks to host law students or recent graduates for Equal Justice Works, Skadden, or other sponsored Fellowships to begin in Fall 2026. Ideal candidates will be law students entering their third year of law school or recent law school graduates with a background in domestic violence law, family law, immigration law, or child advocacy, and experience working directly with survivors or vulnerable children. Volunteer Legal Advocates is interested in candidates with projects in these areas:

• Domestic violence, particularly as it relates to technology abuse, stalking, and preparing for virtual trial when there has been online abuse, harassment, or stalking.
• Guardian ad litem work, particularly in identifying academic needs of the child that are going unmet and collaborating with attorneys, courts, and schools to meet these needs.
• Immigration, specifically as it relates to identifying sex trafficking survivors, applying for trafficking-related relief before federal agencies, and building partnerships to provide holistic representation.
• Projects of the candidate’s own creation that involve work in domestic violence law, family law, immigration law, or child advocacy, and include assisting survivors of domestic violence, survivors of gender-based violence, and/or vulnerable children.

SALARY & BENEFITS:

Volunteer Legal Advocates has a positive and supportive work environment with an intentional focus on recruiting, nurturing, and retaining a talented and diverse staff. We prioritize a healthy work-life balance. The salary range for this position is $65,000-$70,000 contingent on sponsor funding. Employees receive 90% employer-paid health and dental insurance and vision insurance is also available. Volunteer Legal Advocates sponsors a 403(b) retirement plan with a 4% employer contribution. Volunteer Legal Advocates also provides a tax-free stipend of $75 each month for personal cell phone and Wi-Fi expenses. Employees receive generous paid time off every year, including three weeks of vacation, three weeks of wellness leave, and 13 holidays. We offer a generous family leave policy for parents following the birth or adoption of a child or placement of a foster child. Volunteer Legal Advocates employees are also eligible to participate in the federal government’s Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. For more information, see https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service. Volunteer Legal Advocates attorneys are eligible to participate in the DC Bar Foundation’s Loan Repayment Assistance Program. For more information, see www.dcbarfoundation.org/lrap.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB:

In addition to the functional skills in this job posting, the following physical abilities are representative of physical demands and environment essential to this position:

• Regular attendance at Volunteer Legal Advocates’ office, community clinics, DC Superior Court, District Court of Maryland for Montgomery County, Circuit Court for Montgomery County Maryland, immigration court hearings, and/or client home and school visits are required.
• Ability to travel to court venues and community locations.
• The work environment has moderate noise (i.e., business office with computers, phone, printers, and light traffic).

TO APPLY:

Candidates should submit a resume, law school transcript, writing sample, and a one-page cover letter to Fellowships@volunteerlegaladvocates.org by June 22, 2025. Please include “2026 Fellowship Application” in the subject line. Applicants will be considered on a rolling basis and early applications are encouraged. Volunteer Legal Advocates will work closely with any chosen candidate to develop and finalize the project proposal.

Volunteer Legal Advocates has a positive and supportive work environment with an intentional focus on recruiting, nurturing, and retaining a talented and diverse staff. We prioritize a healthy work-life balance. The salary range for this position is $65,000-$70,000 contingent on sponsor funding. Employees receive 90% employer-paid health and dental insurance and vision insurance is also available. Volunteer Legal Advocates sponsors a 403(b) retirement plan with a 4% employer contribution. Volunteer Legal Advocates also provides a tax-free stipend of $75 each month for personal cell phone and Wi-Fi expenses. Employees receive generous paid time off every year, including three weeks of vacation, three weeks of wellness leave, and 13 holidays. We offer a generous family leave policy for parents following the birth or adoption of a child or placement of a foster child. Volunteer Legal Advocates employees are also eligible to participate in the federal government’s Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. For more information, see https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service. Volunteer Legal Advocates attorneys are eligible to participate in the DC Bar Foundation’s Loan Repayment Assistance Program. For more information, see www.dcbarfoundation.org/lrap.