🚀 Racial Justice and Youth Defense Fellowship

Racial Justice and Youth Defense Fellowship

Georgetown Law Juvenile Justice Clinic & Independence Youth Defense Fellowship is a two‑year, post‑graduate fellowship open to recent law school graduates and experienced attorneys. The Fellow works with the Georgetown Juvenile Justice Initiative to develop strategies and resources that help youth defenders challenge racial injustice in the system and drive policy reform.

Location: Georgetown Law Clinics, Washington, DC. Open date: August 20, 2025. Deadline: November 3, 2025, 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

Responsibilities

• Complete legal research and writing on race and juvenile justice, including policy reports, training materials, op‑ed pieces, and scholarly articles.
• Plan and implement day‑to‑day operations of the Ambassadors for Racial Justice (ARJ) program, a program that develops leadership and strategies to combat racial inequities in the juvenile system.
• Represent GJJI and partners at speaking engagements, conferences, trainings, and other events.
• Envision and produce creative writing projects, including book projects, op‑ed pieces, policy reports, and legal scholarship.
• Update online systems such as the GJJI website and assist with social media outreach as needed.
• Create opportunities for youth and community engagement through collaboration with DC youth justice groups and schools.
• Plan and host conferences or community listening sessions about race and youth justice as needed.
• Participate in legislative advocacy to advance racial justice.
• Design and execute a project of their own that advances racial justice during the second year of the fellowship.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated interest in racial justice, youth justice, youth defense, criminal law, civil rights, and/or social justice.
• J.D.; be a member of a state bar or take the bar exam and apply for admission to the bar before the fellowship cycle.
• Self‑motivated, proactive, and excellent at advancing project work without daily supervision.
• Ability to manage multiple long‑term projects from conception to completion.
• Strong research and writing skills for traditional legal and creative writing.
• Strategic thinking, attention to detail, excellent time management, and clear communication.
• Good public‑speaking skills, energy, collegiality, and strong interpersonal skills.
• Experience working collaboratively with a team to achieve project goals.

Compensation and Degree

The fellowship runs for two years, starting in August 2026. The Fellow will be enrolled as an LL.M. (Advocacy) student for two years and will receive a full tuition scholarship. Annual stipend: $70,000 in the first year and $75,000 in the second year, before taxes.

Application Instructions

Applicants must submit a cover letter, essay, resume, undergraduate transcript, law school transcript, the names and contact information of three references, and a writing sample. Applications must be received by 11:59 PM EST on November 3, 2025 via the online portal. Interviews will follow beginning the week of November 17 2025.

Essay Questions (500 words or less each):

• Describe how the fellowship aligns with your vision for your legal career, what you hope to gain, and how you will advance racial justice after the fellowship.
• Identify one strategy you might propose for racial justice reform in the juvenile legal system.
• Describe an experience that highlights your collaborative leadership skills, especially one involving multiple team members of varying seniority.
• Optional: Describe any other relevant experience or perspective that you consider relevant to this Fellowship.

GU is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, and will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, citizenship, color, disability, family responsibilities, gender identity and expression, genetic information, marital status, matriculation, national origin, race, religion, personal appearance, political affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.