EQUAL JUSTICE WORKS FELLOW
Full-Time Position | Based in Nashville TN
For over 28 years, the Tennessee Justice Center (TJC) has been standing with vulnerable Tennessee families and helping them access basic necessities of life. After Congress placed restrictions on legal services programs, effectively creating a two-tier justice system, community and bar leaders from all parts of our state and from every part of the political spectrum, came together to form TJC to fill the gap. We help our neighbors one-by-one to cut through red tape to access vital, sometimes life-saving services like health care and nutrition benefits, and then use what we learn to improve systems affecting many more. Whether in the courtroom, newspaper, or Capitol, TJC advocates for a state that reflects our communities’ shared values, that protects the dignity and opportunity of every person, and that supports the health care and economic infrastructure on which all our communities depend.
Overview
TJC will sponsor a limited number of applicants for the Equal Justice Works Fellowship Program. The program requires applicants to develop a proposed project with a sponsoring legal agency. Selection for the fellowship is made by the national program and not by TJC. To maximize their chances, interested individuals should reach out to TJC as soon as possible due to the time required to develop projects acceptable to both TJC and applicants. Early applicants will be given preference.
The goals of the Equal Justice Works Fellowship Program are to serve underrepresented communities; create new public interest law positions; select a diverse group of highly qualified fellows; and develop future leaders in public interest law.
*TJC encourages applicants from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.
Terms
Salary provided for two full years, loan repayment assistance, national training programs; fringe benefits to be paid by TJC.
Eligibility
Must have graduated from an Equal Justice Works Member Law School before September 2025 with a J.D. or LL.M. Experienced attorneys who are committed to public interest law are encouraged to apply.
Application procedure
In addition to submitting an application and other related information, applicants should develop, in conjunction with TJC, a new project to benefit underrepresented communities. Applications must be submitted online through the Equal Justice Works website at EJW Fellowship Application. Hard copies or email copies of the application will not be accepted.
Interested individuals must submit a cover letter and resume to Brant Harrell, bharrell@tnjustice.org, with the subject line “Fellowship Opportunities”. Please include in your cover letter a proposed project.
Application opens online: April 10, 2024
TJC deadline: August 15, 2024
EJW Application deadline: September 10, 2024
Fellow alumni review & score applications: October 2024
Interviews Begin for Selected Candidates: November 2024 - April 2025
Candidates selected for Fellowships on a rolling basis: November 2024 - April 2025
Fellows commence work: September 2025
For more information on the EJW Fellowship Program, please go to www.equaljusticeworks.org.