Litigation Fellow – Spring 2026

Institute for Justice; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 108,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance

Generous paid leave

Flexible work schedules

Remote work opportunities

Job summary

The Institute for Justice in Arlington, VA is hiring Litigation Fellows for February/March 2027. This position offers passionate lawyers the chance to handle constitutional cases while developing their skills. With an annual salary of $120,000, fellows also enjoy extensive benefits, mentoring opportunities, and a collaborative culture.

Candidates should possess 0-2 years of litigation experience and strong communication skills. IJ supports aspiring attorneys in becoming influential advocates for individual rights.

Qualifications

• 0-2 years of litigation experience required.
• Judicial clerkship experience preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Work on cutting-edge constitutional cases.
• Participate in every stage of litigation.
• Engage in media writing and public speaking.

Skills

Excellent writing and communication skills

Desire to create real-world impact

Passion for limiting government power

Education

Juris Doctor or equivalent

Job description

The Institute for Justice is the national law firm for liberty, the country’s leading public-interest law firm in the areas of economic liberty, free speech, private property rights and educational choice. Our attorneys work on cutting‑edge constitutional cases, fight to end government abuses in key areas such as civil forfeiture and qualified immunity, and champion individual rights.

We are currently recruiting Litigation Fellows to join us in February/March 2027. We are looking for passionate and entrepreneurial attorneys with 0‑2 years of litigation experience to join us in our headquarters office in Arlington, VA, as well as our Austin, Miami, Phoenix, and Seattle offices. This fellowship, formerly known as our Law and Liberty Fellowship, is IJ’s preferred path for recent graduates or post‑clerkship candidates with less than two years of experience. Upon completion, Fellows are considered for permanent employment.

Candidates should have excellent writing and communication skills, relish the opportunity to create real‑world impact, and demonstrate a strong background in constitutional law and an interest in IJ’s mission.

What’s it like to be a Litigation Fellow?

Simply put, it’s rewarding. If you are passionate about using your law degree to stop government abuses and champion individual rights, there is no better place to be. As full members of case teams, Fellows work with IJ attorneys to bring creative, intellectually rigorous cases in federal and state courts across the country. Fellows work directly with clients and participate in every stage of litigation. No two days are the same, and our new hires jump into action on day one.

Outside the courtroom, Fellows have the opportunity to do media writing and appearances, public speaking, grassroots activism and direct advocacy to policymakers and legislators. Throughout the two‑year fellowship, Fellows benefit from mentorship opportunities, expert media training, and a supportive and collegial legal work culture.

What does IJ look for when hiring Litigation Fellows?

• Excellent writing and communication skills;
• A desire to create real‑world impact and willingness to push the envelope in strategizing how to win challenging cases;
• A passion for limiting the size and scope of government power to ensure that all Americans have the right to control their own destinies as free and responsible members of society;
• Judicial clerkship experience (not required, but strongly preferred). IJ offers tiered clerkship bonuses for Litigation Fellow candidates coming directly from a clerkship at the federal district and appellate court level as well as the highest court in any state or the District of Columbia;

How can I apply?

If you’re ready to apply for the 2027 Spring Litigation Fellowship, please submit a resume, a cover letter, and a writing sample. The writing sample should be approximately 10 pages or less and should demonstrate your best legal analysis. Later stages of our interview process include an additional writing component.

Note that this Litigation Fellowship begins in February/March 2027 and runs through February/March 2029. We are also currently recruiting Litigation Fellows for fall 2026, spring 2027, and fall 2027, should the timing of those fellowships better align with your timeline. If you are interested but your availability falls outside any of those timeframes, please apply and specify your timing in your cover letter.

Can you tell me more about your culture and values?

Our culture is collaborative, intellectual, and fun.

We have a shared commitment to our mission and to our individual clients, ordinary people who want to pursue their vision of the American Dream without government interference. Each member of our staff is recognized for the integral part they play in the fulfillment of that mission. We value employees who meet the tough legal issues we tackle with sharp legal creativity, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a can‑do attitude. Together, we celebrate every win along the way and recover quickly from setbacks.

Can you tell me more about compensation, benefits, and general perks?

Litigation Fellows are paid an annual salary of $120,000.

IJ also offers superior benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, generous paid leave, and retirement benefits. We also offer flexible work‑day schedules, two days each week to work from home, and up to four weeks each year to work from anywhere in the world with Wi‑Fi.

IJ is an equal‑opportunity employer.