2026 Summer Legal Fellowship

Position ANNOUNCEMENT

Position: Summer Fellow

Location: Compton, CA (Hybrid)

Pay Range: $7,500 for 10 week period

Application Deadline: February 2, 2026

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND:

Community Lawyers, Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides underserved, low and no income community members access to justice through innovative legal programs, and community advocacy and engagement. For over 16 years, CLI has served Compton and the surrounding communities by assisting residents to meet the challenges of finding quality, ethical, and affordable legal services and resources.

ABOUT THE POSITION:

CLI will host two law students as legal fellows with one fellowship specializing in Immigration Law and the second fellowship specializing in Family Law for a 10 week fellowship. Fellows will receive hands-on experience in the substantive areas of law, and in general practice of law including conducting intakes, client consultation, document review, case evaluation, legal research, preparing memoranda and pleadings, preparing cases for administrative hearing, preparing legal forms, utilizing case management software, and participating in case reviews.

CLI’s fellows will spend the majority of their time working alongside an attorney and shadow direct client interactions. CLI exclusively provides legal services to indigent and low-income clients, with the majority of clients meeting indigent income thresholds.

Fellows will work collaboratively with CLI’s team. Fellows will also have the opportunity to work directly with pro bono attorneys. By the conclusion of the fellowship period, fellows will understand the core components of community lawyering including working with clients, court and hearing systems, document review and preparation, legal research using different databases, case preparation, document management and storage, and case review.

In addition to receiving training on the substantive law, fellows will receive training in cultural humility from all direct service staff. Trauma-informed training will be provided. Fellows will also have the opportunity to network with law firms who participate in CLI’s pro bono legal clinics and various Bar Associations.

Candidates must submit a resume, cover letter, unofficial transcript, and writing sample. Emphasis will be placed on hiring fellows who have connection, lived experience, or strong commitment to the communities served by CLI along with capacity to communicate orally and in writing in at least one language in addition to English.

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Enrolled in an accredited law school
• Excellent verbal, written, and communication skills
• Strong typing, proofreading skills, and ability to maintain and update databases
• Bilingual oral, reading, and writing skills in English and Spanish (Preferred)
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Power Point, and Publisher), case management program, and computer skills, including internet research
• Strong critical thinking, analyzation skills, and strong legal research capabilities
• Experience or demonstrated interest in working with low-income individuals and families highly preferred
• Ability to work independently using sound judgment and effective analytical skills
• Ability to prioritize multiple assignments and respond to a variety of requests
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Works collaboratively with others and is a team player

EXAMPLES OF JOB DUTIES:

• Shadow attorneys for direct client interactions
• Participate in weekly legal clinics
• Conduct research and draft legal documents
• Performs other duties as assigned and/or required

HOW TO APPLY: Please submit a resume, cover letter, and writing sample to Program Director Miss Cameron Parker, at cparker@community-lawyers.org with the subject line “Law Student Summer Fellow Application-2026.” Only applicants who submit a complete application and who are considered for an interview will be contacted. Deadline for submitting applications is February 2, 2026.

Community Lawyers, Inc. is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment.

How to Apply: Please submit a resume, cover letter, and writing sample to Program Director Miss Cameron Parker, at cparker@community-lawyers.org with the subject line “Law Student Summer Fellow Application-2026.” Only applicants who submit a complete application and who are considered for an interview will be contacted. Deadline for submitting applications is February 2, 2026.

Community Lawyers, Inc. is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment.