Education Justice Fellow — Civil Rights Litigation

Legal Defense Fund; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 164,000; Full time

Job summary

NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF) is seeking an Education Fellow in the Litigation Department for a one-year, full-time hybrid position starting Fall 2026.

The fellow will work on school desegregation matters and related federal actions, reporting to the Director of Litigation or a senior manager. The role targets licensed attorneys or recent graduates expecting bar licensure within six months, with an in-office requirement of two days per week.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree required.
• Strong legal research, writing and oral advocacy skills.
• Experience or demonstrated interest in civil rights advocacy.

Responsibilities

• Serve on case teams litigating school desegregation and related civil rights matters.
• Assist, advise and participate in federal/state court and administrative proceedings.
• Draft petitions, merits briefs and amicus briefs in key courts.
• Investigate potential claims and prepare complaints and memoranda.
• Participate in motion practice, discovery, hearings, and trial work.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Oral advocacy

Collaboration

Education

Juris Doctor degree

Job description

NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF) is seeking an Education Fellow in the Litigation Department for a one-year, full-time hybrid position starting Fall 2026.

The fellow will work on school desegregation matters and related federal actions, reporting to the Director of Litigation or a senior manager. The role targets licensed attorneys or recent graduates expecting bar licensure within six months, with an in-office requirement of two days per week.