Public Interest Fellowship

Fellowship applications will be accepted through July 5, 2026

About Campaign Legal Center  

Campaign Legal Center (CLC) is a national nonprofit organization that fights for every American’s right to participate in the democratic process. We believe our democracy should be transparent, accountable and inclusive. CLC was founded in 2002 to advance democracy through law. We use tactics such as litigation, policy advocacy, communications and partnerships to achieve our mission. Our long-term goal is a government responsive to the people.   

CLC’s commitment is to democracy. We do not make decisions based on advancing a particular political party or political outcome. We think about systemic impact when we choose which work to pursue, but we work at all levels of government to introduce innovative ideas that will drive significant change or set an important legal precedent. Our priority is engaging and driving action – whether in the courtroom, newsroom, or statehouse. See our latest annual report.  

Position Summary  

CLC is seeking applicants for sponsored fellowships—including but not limited to Skadden, Equal Justice Works, school funded public interest fellowships, and other public interest fellowships—to begin work in the fall of 2027. CLC is seeking applicants interested in all of our issue areas: campaign finance, voting rights, redistricting, and ethics. All applicants must research and be willing to apply for any available public interest funding for their fellowship. Fellowships will be time-limited for one or two-year terms.  Internal funding is available if external funding is not obtained. 

CLC litigates cases to defend and ensure enforcement of federal and state campaign finance laws, to protect the fundamental right to vote, to challenge redistricting plans that discriminate against voters on the basis of their race or political beliefs, to ensure compliance with government ethics laws, and to protect the rule of law. CLC also participates in trial and appellate cases through friend-of-the-court briefs, engages in educational efforts (such as know-your-rights trainings), and provides legislative drafting and opposition assistance to legislatures and organizations seeking to improve election law. Potential projects will likely combine litigation and policy development with advocacy and public education. This position is located in Washington, D.C., with the possibility of remote work.  

Key Responsibilities  

• Conduct legal research and analysis and develop theories to support new litigation or advocacy projects. 
• Draft legal memoranda, pleadings, motions, and briefs. 
• Draft and edit public education and advocacy materials. 
• Participate at all levels of trial and appellate practice as needed. 
• Help manage student interns. 
• Engage in public speaking and attend meetings and/or conferences. 
• Other duties based on the specific project or position as developed. 
• Some travel may be required. 

Preferred Qualifications  

• J.D. or expected to receive J.D. by spring of 2027
• Applicants should be 2027 expected law school graduates or 2026 or 2025 graduates currently in another fellowship or clerkship.  
• Admission, or plans to seek admission, to the D.C. Bar or another bar that will enable the applicant to waive into D.C. Bar membership.  
• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills. 
• Exceptional interpersonal communication skills with a proven ability to work effectively and collaboratively as part of a team. 
• Self-motivated with the ability to take initiative and drive projects from start to finish.  
• Commitment to the nonpartisan nature and overall mission of CLC. 
• Demonstrated interest in campaign finance, voting rights, redistricting, or government ethics issues is preferred but not required. 

Compensation and Benefits

Salary: $92,430

Our benefits include:

• Generous health, dental, and vision insurance with low employee premiums
• A 401(k) retirement plan with a dollar-for-dollar match up to 6%, with immediate vesting
• 20 vacation days, 12 sick days, and 3 floating holidays annually
• Office closures for all federal holidays, plus the day after Thanksgiving, a week in late summer, and the week between Christmas and New Year’s
• Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts
• A $1,000 annual professional development stipend and bar membership reimbursement
• A $300 annual technology allowance
• Metro transit benefits 
• An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with free, confidential support for personal, financial, and family matters.

 At CLC, we believe that caring for our team is essential to sustaining our mission. We strive to create a culture where everyone can thrive inside and outside work.

Campaign Legal Center (CLC) is an equal opportunity employer committed to maintaining a nondiscriminatory work environment. CLC is proud to be an inclusive organization. It does not make hiring or advancement, or other employment decisions, based on race, national origin, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, familial status or responsibilities, personal appearance, pregnancy, political affiliation, ancestry, military or veteran status, genetic information, disability, record of arrest or conviction, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, District of Columbia, or local law. This policy applies to all aspects of employment including, but not limited to, recruitment, selection, job assignment, compensation, promotion, termination, benefits, and training.

Disclaimer: This description of the position summary, key responsibilities, benefits, and compensation is intended to provide an overview of this position and is not all inclusive. The incumbent in this position will be expected to perform other duties as required. Responsibilities may change over time. This description of the position summary, key responsibilities, benefits, and compensation is provided for informational purposes only and does not form the basis of a contract.