Fair Fellows will join SPLC's Legal Department for a term of two years. Through plentiful and diverse training and networking offerings, Fair Fellows will be exposed to civil rights work led by SPLC, our partner organizations, and community advocates, and will explore career opportunities in civil rights law. At the completion of the Program, Fair Fellows will be prepared to effectively advocate in the public interest and become leaders in the field of civil rights litigation.
Fair Fellows will be based across the Deep South, and will have the unique opportunity to complete rotations with each of the Legal Department's six Advocacy and Litigation Impact Teams (ALITs): (1) the Criminal Legal System Reform ALIT; (2) the Democracy: Education and Youth ALIT; (3) the Democracy: Voting Rights ALIT; (4) the Economic Justice ALIT; (5) the Immigrant Justice ALIT; and (6) the Inclusion and Anti-Extremism ALIT. Fair Fellows will be assigned to existing and developing litigation and advocacy matters, providing support to case teams with an initial emphasis on research and writing. Litigation responsibilities will gradually increase over the course of the Fellowship.
In addition, Fair Fellows will engage directly with the communities SPLC serves, working in partnership with SPLC's State Offices, Policy Department, and programmatic teams. Fair Fellows will provide legal support for community engagement initiatives, and will review and respond to requests for legal assistance (RFAs).
The tentative start date for this fellowship is August 2027. This is a 2-year fellowship that will end in 2029.Who You AreAdvocate. Commitment to working with community organizations, grassroots campaigns, and impacted communities, particularly in the Deep South, and improving access to justice in the Deep South.
Committed. Demonstrated interest and commitment to community-oriented and movement-supportive lawyering. Dedicated to a non-hierarchical, client-centered approach to advocacy and ability to work on sensitive issues in a compassionate and empathetic manner.
Analytical. Ability to synthesize complex legal and policy developments, and provide technical assistance to communities and partner organizations.
Researcher. Ability to conduct legal research and factual investigations.
Writer. Ability to draft briefs, memos, and other documents in support of litigation, advocacy, and public education with a team and independently.
Creative. Ability to think creatively, be flexible, and take calculated risks around changing priorities and in crafting and executing strategies to move litigation and campaigns forward.
Collaborative. Aptitude for and willingness to be a team player, including with diverse partners and team members. Ability to work with other Advocacy Litigation & Impact Teams (ALITs), external organizations, and stakeholders on multiple cases and campaigns at once.
Communicative. Exceptional communication skills and ability to communicate persuasively to a variety of audiences through writing and speaking. Ability to communicate legal concepts effectively to diverse and multi-lingual audiences, including community groups, coalitions, and individuals. Able and willing to communicate regularly with clients, co-counsel, and partner organizations.
Mission, Vision & Culture Alignment. Demonstrates an understanding of and a commitment to SPLC's mission, vision and values.
What You'll DoAttend professional development, training, and networking activities.
Attend ALIT meetings, case team meetings, RFA Committee meetings, and check-in meetings.
Provide support to case teams by researching legal questions, presenting research findings, reviewing discovery and investigative materials, and preparing legal research memos.
With gradually increasing responsibility, draft and edit affidavits, arguments, complaints, motions, briefs, petitions, and other documents in support of litigation and advocacy.
Provide support to assigned teams in preparing for depositions, hearings, trials, and other case events, and, with gradually increasing responsibility, attend, observe, and participate in these events.
Work collaboratively with attorneys, legal support professionals, and other SPLC colleagues.
Gather, organize, and review information related to litigation and advocacy.
Consult, interview, and maintain communication with clients and witnesses.
Communicate regularly with co-counsel and partner organizations.
Collaborate effectively with and provide legal support to SPLC's State Offices and programmatic teams.
Actively participate in SPLC and Legal Department committees.
Represent SPLC in various fora, including before community groups.
Perform other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this job classification.
Uphold our JEDI principles by seeking diverse collaborators and partners that can deliver genuine, authentic and impactful work while ensuring their contributions are directed towards the shared mission, vision and values of the Center and Legal Department's goals.
Minimum QualificationsWe are committed to equitable hiring practices; therefore, you must meet the minimum qualifications to be considered for the role.
- Juris Doctorate Degree from an ABA-accredited law school, or completion prior to start date;
- Recent law school graduate (including those who are currently completing a judicial clerkship); and
- Strong academic background.
Compensation & BenefitsThis is an exempt role, and the minimum starting salary is $81,197.00 annually. Salary is commensurate with experience.
Click here to view the benefits available to SPLC staff.
Where & How You'll WorkThis role the following work designations options:
- Local Remote: Will work remotely but is expected to attend work-related activities that occur at the SPLC offices or in the states in which the SPLC operates.
- Telework: Will work at an SPLC office at least three days per week and may work two days per week from an alternative work location.
- This position will report to the Deputy Director of Legal Management.
Other Special ConsiderationsThis is a 2-year fellowship and will end 2 years from the start date. This job is performed under general office conditions and is not subject to any strenuous physical demands or dangerous conditions.
This position is represented by the Washington-Baltimore News Guild.
To apply, please submit your application by 5:00pm CST on Monday, November 30th, 2026.Disclaimer:The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. These statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.
