Equal Rights Advocates (ERA) invites rising third-year law students or recent graduates to apply for sponsorship for post-graduate attorney public interest fellowships, such as Equal Justice Works, Justice Catalyst, Skadden, law school-sponsored fellowships or other fellowship opportunities, to work with ERA for one to two years beginning in Fall 2027. The role is based in San Francisco, CA or Washington, DC and reports to the Director of Litigation. ERA is a national civil rights organization founded in 1974 to expand access and opportunities for women and girls, primarily in employment and education, through impact litigation, policy advocacy, public education, and direct legal services. ERA works with prospective fellows to develop proposals that address critical gender justice issues and advance organizational priorities. The fellow's responsibilities are expected to include a combination of litigation work and counseling individuals with legal needs. Required qualifications: candidate for J.D. in Spring 2027 or recent law school graduate; membership in at least one state bar or a plan to become a member; demonstrated commitment to social justice and public interest law; established knowledge of and interest in civil rights issues, preferably including gender justice; ability to work both independently and collaboratively; excellent research, writing, analytical and interpersonal skills; self-motivation and initiative. Candidates must have valid authorization to work in the United States; ERA is unable to sponsor work visas and does not provide relocation assistance. Compensation depends on external funding, with an annual salary ranging between $70,000 - $75,000, supplemented by ERA if necessary to align with its entry-level attorney salary scale. The fellowship will only commence if outside funding is awarded, and includes a comprehensive benefits package with employer-paid medical, dental, life and disability insurance, plus a 403B match and generous leave.
HOW TO APPLY:
All applications must be submitted to the Hiring Manager using the application link. Your application must include: a short cover letter describing your interest in ERA and public interest law (and, if you have a specific project idea, a description of your proposal); a resume; a law school transcript; a writing sample that is your own written work; and a list of three professional references. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, but priority consideration is given to candidates who apply by July 1, 2026.
https://equalrights.bamboohr.com/careers/61