Externally Funded Fellowship 2026 – 2027 – Digital Justice Initiatives

Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 68,400 - 83,600; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

Parental leave

403(b) matching

Disability insurance

Cell stipend

Job summary

A national racial justice legal organization in Washington, DC is seeking a Fellow for Digital Justice Initiatives. The role involves legal research and advocacy against discriminatory technology practices, particularly facial recognition. Candidates must possess a JD or be expecting to receive one by May 2026 and a strong commitment to civil rights. This fellowship offers a salary of $76,000, with benefits including healthcare and a cell stipend.

Qualifications

• Strong commitment to civil rights and racial justice.
• Experience with low-income communities of color.
• Excellent research and writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Research the legality of facial recognition technology.
• Engage in impact litigation against discrimination.
• Participate in litigation and advocacy.

Skills

Research

Analytical skills

Effective communication

Collaboration

Proactive approach

Education

JD or expected JD by May 2026

Job description

Externally Funded Fellowship 2026 – 2027 – Digital Justice Initiatives

Join to apply for the Externally Funded Fellowship 2026 – 2027 – Digital Justice Initiatives role at Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law

Externally Funded Fellowship 2026 – 2027 – Digital Justice Initiatives

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Join to apply for the Externally Funded Fellowship 2026 – 2027 – Digital Justice Initiatives role at Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law

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The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is a leading national racial justice legal organization. Formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy, it uses legal advocacy to achieve racial justice, fighting inside and outside the courts to ensure that Black people and other people of color have the voice, opportunity, and power to realize the promises of democracy.

Job Title: Fellow
Location: Washington, DC
Job Type: Term
Union Affiliation: Union
Accountable to: Director, Digital Justice Initiatives

About the Role: The Digital Justice Initiative works at the intersection of racial justice, technology, and privacy. Exploitative data practices, discriminatory algorithms, invasions of privacy, disinformation, and online hate disproportionately target communities of color, especially Black Americans, immigrants, women of color, and LGBTQ people of color. Everyone should enjoy internet access and services free from discrimination or harassment.

Fellows engage in substantive legal activities, including co-counseled litigation with prominent law firms, client contact, case investigation, discovery, negotiations, amicus briefs, appeals, and trial work. Non-litigation activities include legal services to community groups, legislative advocacy, and public education on civil rights issues.

The Committee considers proposals aligned with our priorities even if not explicitly listed in the job posting.

Fellowship Focus: The project will examine the lawfulness of facial recognition technology in public housing, where such technology has been used to control access. This technology often functions inaccurately for women and people of color and has been used for harassment and law enforcement leverage. The fellowship may explore the legality and constitutionality of these practices.

Responsibilities:

• Research the legality of facial recognition technology.
• Engage in impact litigation challenging its use and effects on communities of color.
• Participate in litigation and advocacy to combat discrimination enabled by technology.

Fellows may also develop strategies to implement during the fellowship period.

Minimum Requirements:

• JD or expected JD by May 2026
• Strong commitment to civil rights and racial justice
• Creative, proactive approach to civil rights work
• Experience or ties to low-income communities of color
• Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills (demonstrated through samples, internships, or academic records)
• Ability to collaborate with diverse teams and clients
• Effective communication skills in legal and non-legal contexts

Proposal Submission: Applicants should submit:

• Project proposal outlining objectives, timeline, target populations, and outcomes
• Resume
• Personal statement of relevant experience and qualifications
• References (at least two)

Salary & Benefits: The fellowship is funded externally; the salary is $76,000 for JD recipients in 2026. The Committee will supplement if outside funding is lower. Benefits include healthcare, parental leave, 403(b) matching, disability insurance, and a cell stipend.

Join Us: If passionate about civil rights and racial justice, apply to make an impact and help foster equity and inclusion!

Apply: Submit your application to contribute to a more equitable world.

Diversity & Inclusion: We encourage candidates of color and from underrepresented communities to apply. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or other protected statuses.

This role is part of a unionized bargaining unit with terms subject to collective bargaining.

Expected salary: $76,000.

Additional Details:

• Seniority level: Internship
• Employment type: Temporary
• Job functions: Research, Analysis, IT
• Industry: Legal Services