2027-2029 Trial Impact Fellowship

Trial Impact Project, formerly the Social Justice Legal Foundation, a nonprofit civil-rights litigation group, seeks early-career litigators or applicants 0–3 years out of law school for its 2027 - 2029 Trial Impact Fellowship . This is a fully-funded, two-year intensive fellowship focused on training recent law school graduates and early-career attorneys in the nuts and bolts of strategic, nimble, and fast-paced social justice litigation—from investigation and filing through summary judgment and trial, and every discovery dispute and oral argument in between. The fellowship is a great opportunity for recent law school graduates, judicial clerks, and junior attorneys looking to kick-start a career in, or transition into, public interest trial litigation. We will hold two information sessions at which interested candidates can learn more about the fellowship: Thursday, August 6, 12:30 PM - 1:15 PM PDT (register here ). Tuesday, August 25, 12:30 PM - 1:15 PM PDT (register here ). Why This Fellowship The Trial Impact Fellowship offers early-career attorneys the chance to gain sharp, creative litigation skills by working on meaningful social justice cases on a tight-knit team. Our Trial Impact Fellows are critical to TIP's work: In their first year, our Fellows are deep in the trenches of litigation, working with clients, drafting discovery and discovery-related motions, drafting and responding to dispositive motions, second chairing depositions, and taking their first deposition. In their second year, our Fellows do the work of mid-level law firm associates, including leading meet-and-confer calls, arguing discovery motions, working with experts, and defending depositions. Throughout, Fellows will observe and participate in hearings and trial. Fellows reach these milestones through a challenging and intentional model that combines formal training; iterative review and feedback; and hands-on experience with clients, co-counsel, and courts. At its core, the Trial Impact Fellowship advances TIP's mission to build a pipeline of tenacious public-interest litigators capable of litigating against the most powerful corporate and governmental interests in the country. Past fellows have gone on to clerk for judges, litigate at large nonprofit organizations and civil-rights law firms, and teach at law school clinics. Qualifications J.D. by start date A demonstrated commitment to using the law to work in service of others or to advance social change Excellent research, analysis, and writing skills Genuine belief in litigation as a valuable tool to advance rights and the law A desire to develop litigation skills quickly, roll up their sleeves, and work hard in an engaging and collaborative environment If not currently licensed to practice in a state, candidate must take the California bar exam before their start date. In limited circumstances, TIP may permit a fellow who is already admitted to an out-of-state bar to register as a legal aid attorney in California. What Else To Know Fellowships are full-time, hybrid positions based in Los Angeles, California. Our team works from home two days per week and collaborates in our downtown Los Angeles office three days per week. Fellow salaries range from $86,000 to $92,000 based on litigation or clerkship experience and increase by $4,000 after admission to the bar. Trial Impact Project also provides: A bar exam reimbursement or stipend Relocation assistance 12 days of paid time off, 12 sick days, 12 holidays, and occasional office closures as litigation schedules allow Comprehensive healthcare benefits Retirement benefits with employer contribution Paid on-site parking or commuter benefit Extensive training and professional development