Please note: applications are now closed for the Schreiber Legal Fellowship.
NIJC is proud to continue its Schreiber Legal Fellowship Program through the generosity of John and Kathy Schreiber. The two selected fellows will provide legal representation to immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers for two years. NIJC provides legal representation to thousands of detained and non-detained immigrants each year and draws on its legal services to advance systemic reform. Through the Schreiber Fellowships, NIJC seeks to invest in the next generation of diverse legal advocates. To that end, NIJC will consider applications from graduating law students or recent graduates who demonstrate a strong commitment to pursuing a long-term career in the immigrant rights movement. NIJC strongly encourages applications from people with lived experiences in immigrant communities, members of marginalized communities, and individuals from communities that are underrepresented in the legal profession. Individuals with a strong interest in immigration issues but with limited prior experience will be strongly considered.
The specific work of the fellows will be determined based on the interests of candidates and NIJC’s needs. For example, one fellow may work with NIJC’s asylum project or immigrant children’s project. A second position will provide direct services in accordance emerging issues that NIJC identifies. The emerging-issues fellow might be called on to work with individuals detained at the border, or individuals who may become eligible for immigration status based on changes in immigration laws and/or policy.
Both fellowships will begin immediately following Labor Day in September 2023, and they will last until the end of August 2025. Applications for the fellowship are due on or before February 28, 2023, and applicants are encouraged to submit their applications in advance of the deadline. Each fellows’ geographic location will be at one of NIJC’s offices in Chicago, Indiana, San Diego, or Washington, D.C., which will be determined based upon the needs of NIJC and the applications received. Applicants should state their geographic preference in their application materials. NIJC continues to work using a hybrid model and expects to do so in the coming years as well. At the end of the fellowship, fellows will be eligible to seek permanent employment with NIJC if there are pending positions, and will receive strong consideration for any open position at NIJC.
Eligibility
Graduates of any ABA accredited law school are eligible to apply. The fellowship is open to current 3Ls and attorneys who have graduated within the last three years. Applicants must be a member of any bar or must sit for the bar examination prior to the start of the fellowship. Although fluency in a second language is not required, applicants who are able to speak another language should be sure to address that skill in their application materials.
Pay and Other Benefits
The salary will be based on the number of years of relevant experience since law school graduation, according to pay scale that governs this position. As a program of Heartland Alliance, NIJC offers excellent benefits.
Application Information
Applications will be accepted until February 28, 2023. Please note: applications are now closed for the Schreiber Legal Fellowship.