External Fellowship 2027–2029: Digital Justice Initiative Fellow in Washington, DC

The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is inviting applications for an Externally Funded Fellowship 2027–2029 with its Digital Justice Initiative in Washington, DC.

This fellowship offers an exciting opportunity for an emerging legal professional committed to racial justice, civil rights, privacy, and emerging technology to work at the intersection of law and technology.

The fellow will have the opportunity to identify emerging legal and policy challenges while also developing strategies to hold corporate and government actors accountable through litigation and advocacy.

About the Digital Justice Initiative

The Digital Justice Initiative focuses on the intersection of racial justice, technology, and privacy.

The initiative addresses issues including exploitative data practices, discriminatory algorithms, privacy violations, disinformation, and online hate, particularly where these practices disproportionately affect communities of color.

Fellows will participate in substantive legal work, including co-counseled litigation with prominent law firms. Their responsibilities may include client contact, case investigation, discovery, negotiations, amicus briefs, appeals, and trial practice.

They may also contribute to legislative and public policy advocacy, legal services, and public education on civil rights issues.

Fellowship Focus Areas

The fellowship may focus on one of two primary areas:

1. Surveillance Pricing

The project may examine surveillance pricing including concerns surrounding data privacy, discrimination, and the collection and exploitation of sensitive personal information.

2. Generative AI

The fellow may explore discrimination in generative AI tools, expanding civil rights research beyond traditional algorithmic decision-making systems and examining how emerging AI technologies may affect communities of color.

The Lawyers’ Committee is also open to considering proposals that align with its mission and priorities but fall outside these specific focus areas.

What the Fellow Will Do

The selected fellow may:

* Conduct factual and legal research on relevant technologies and practices.
* Engage with affected communities, scholars, practitioners, and organizations.
* Help shape litigation and advocacy strategies.
* Develop cases challenging discriminatory practices.
* Participate in implementing strategies developed during the fellowship.
* Contribute to litigation and legal advocacy.
* Support public policy and legislative advocacy.
* Participate in public education on important civil rights issues.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

* Hold a JD or anticipate receiving a JD by May 2027.
* Demonstrate a strong commitment to civil rights and racial justice.
* Demonstrate creativity and initiative in developing and implementing civil rights projects.
* Have prior experience working with or ties to low-income communities of color.
* Have strong research, writing, and analytical abilities.
* Be able to work collaboratively with staff, clients, and community organizations.
* Have effective written and oral communication skills in legal and non-legal settings.
* A computer science or other technology background is preferred.

Application Requirements

Interested candidates should submit:

* Project Proposal– Including the proposed project’s objectives, timeline, target populations, and expected outcomes.
* Resume
* Personal Statement – Describing relevant experience and qualifications.
* References – Contact information for at least two professional or academic references.

Salary and Benefits

The fellowship is externally funded and will commence only if outside fellowship funding is secured.

For an attorney receiving their JD in 2027, the expected salary is $76,000. If the external fellowship award is lower than the Lawyers’ Committee salary scale, the organization will provide an additional amount to bring the fellow up to the appropriate salary.

Benefits include:

* Medical, dental, and vision healthcare coverage
* Parental leave
* 403(b) employer contributions and matching
* Short- and long-term disability options
* Employer-paid monthly cell phone stipend

Fellowship Details

Position: Fellow
Programme: Digital Justice Initiative
Organization: Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
Location: Washington, DC
Duration: 2027–2029
Job Type: Term
Expected Salary: $76,000
Level: Entry Level

How to Apply

Applicants should prepare their project proposal, resume, personal statement, and professional or academic references before submitting their application.

Apply here: Find the link to the application form HERE.

Applicants are encouraged to develop a proposal that clearly demonstrates their commitment to racial justice and explains how their proposed project can contribute to the Digital Justice Initiative’s work.

Conclusion

The Digital Justice Initiative Fellowship 2027–2029 presents an opportunity for an emerging attorney to work on pressing questions surrounding civil rights, racial justice, privacy, surveillance pricing, and generative AI.

For candidates with a JD who are passionate about using legal advocacy to address technology-related discrimination and advance racial justice, this fellowship offers the opportunity to combine research, litigation, community engagement, and policy advocacy to create meaningful impact.

Deadline: Check the official application page for the current deadline and submission requirements.

Discover more opportunities like this HERE.