Summary

The National Urban League General Counsel and Equitable Justice Fellowship is an opportunity for a law school graduate or early-career attorney seeking to work at the intersection of corporate legal affairs, nonprofit governance, and civil rights advocacy. This position is designed for candidates who secure external public interest fellowship funding (e.g., Equal Justice Works, Skadden, Justice Catalyst, or law school-sponsored fellowships).

The Fellow will gain hands-on experience supporting the National Urban League’s legal team while advancing equitable justice initiatives that promote economic and racial equity.

Essential Functions

• Collaborate with the Office of General Counsel on corporate governance, compliance, and nonprofit legal matters.
• Support civil rights litigation, policy advocacy, and legislative efforts focused on economic and racial justice.
• Conduct legal research and draft memoranda on issues such as voting rights, fair housing, economic empowerment, and criminal justice reform.
• Assist in contract review, regulatory compliance, and risk management for the organization.
• Engage with local Urban League affiliates, community partners, and policymakers to provide legal insights on equity-focused initiatives.
• Develop and implement a public interest project proposal that aligns with the National Urban League’s mission and the funding organization’s requirements.

Candidate’s Process to Funding

Fellowship Identification

• Research and identify eligible law school public interest fellowships (g., Equal Justice Works, Skadden, Justice Catalyst, or law school-sponsored fellowships) that support nonprofit legal work.
• Ensure the National Urban League qualifies as an eligible host organization under the fellowship’s guidelines.

Initial Engagement

• Participate in an interview with staff from the National Urban League.
• During the interview, discuss:
  • Your background, interests, and commitment to public interest law.
  • How your goals align with the National Urban League’s mission and ongoing legal or policy initiatives.
  • Potential ideas for a fellowship project, while also soliciting input on organizational needs and priorities.
• Receive confirmation from National Urban League following interview about status as a fellow candidate.

Project Proposal Development

• Collaborate with a designated supervisor or mentor at the National Urban League to design a fellowship project.
• Ensure the project aligns with both the mission of the National Urban League and the funding priorities of the fellowship program.
• Define the scope, goals, deliverables, and timeline of the project.

Application Preparation

• Draft the fellowship application materials, including:
• Personal statement
• Project proposal
• Letters of recommendation
• Host organization commitment letter
• Coordinate with the National Urban League to obtain an official letter of support and confirmation of supervision.

Submission and Follow-Up

• Submit the fellowship application by the deadline.
• Provide any additional materials or clarifications if requested by the fellowship committee.

Award and Implementation

• If awarded, finalize details with the National Urban League including start date, workspace, supervision structure, and deliverables.
• Begin the fellowship according to the agreed timeline and scope of work.

Ongoing Communication and Reporting

• Submit regular progress updates or reports as required by the fellowship program.
• Engage in evaluations or site visits if applicable.

Physical Requirements:

• • • Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
    • Must be able to lift up to fifteen pounds at time.

To Apply: To submit resume, cover letter and a legal writing sample, no more than three pages. Click the link here to apply: https://bit.ly/GCEJFellow2026

Deadline to Apply: May 23, 2025

WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER The National Urban League is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all federal, state, and local equal employment opportunity (“EEO”) laws. The National Urban League strictly prohibits discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment because of the individual's race, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion or creed, national origin, alienage, citizenship, age, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, sexual and reproductive health decisions or decision making (of employees or their dependents), familial status, marital status, partnership status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, military status, domestic violence victim status, arrest or pre- employment criminal conviction record, or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy applies to all National Urban League activities, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, compensation, assignment, training, promotion, discipline, and discharge. This policy also bans discriminatory harassment. Employment at the National Urban League is at will.