MELKUS FELLOW
Full-Time Position | Based in Nashville TN | Salaried ($47,000-$50,000)
Tennessee Justice Center (TJC) is seeking a recent college graduate for the Melkus Fellowship, a competitive, yearlong position with the potential for extension by mutual agreement. The fellowship offers substantial experience in case management, advocacy, and community outreach.
Founded in 1996, TJC is a nonprofit organization that uses law, education, and advocacy to help Tennesseans meet their most basic needs and reach their full potential. Our mission is to advocate on behalf of low-income Tennesseans:
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In areas of public policy that have the greatest impact on their health and nutrition;
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Through methods that give clients meaningful opportunities to make their voices heard; and
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In ways that emphasize collaboration across lines of class, race, and age.
Our clients inspire and drive our work, and TJC also supports similar advocacy efforts on behalf of low-income communities beyond Tennessee.
The specific nature of the position will be shaped by the fellow’s interests and strengths, as well as organizational needs. The fellow will work with both the casework and litigation teams and the policy team, with a focus on healthcare for older adults and individuals with disabilities.
Responsibilities
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Managing a caseload of approximately 25 active cases at a time and, under the guidance of an attorney and the casework supervisor, helping clients resolve healthcare-related legal issues.
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Collecting stories from clients and community members who wish to share their experiences through TJC’s website, social media, news media, elected officials, and funders.
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Researching and writing about health issues and healthcare policy through issue briefs, blog posts, and other written materials.
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Connecting with partner organizations that advocate for older adults and individuals with disabilities and supporting their work.
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Maintaining communication, education, and engagement with our network around policy and advocacy, including drafting our Independence newsletter and presenting webinar trainings.
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Attending community outreach events.
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Assisting with other projects that align with TJC’s needs and the fellow’s interests and skills.
The ideal fellow will have strong analytical, communication, writing, and critical thinking skills. They must be empathetic, have a good sense of humor, and be willing to work collaboratively. Flexibility, patience, dedication to completing tasks, creativity, and commitment to teamwork are also important. Experience working with people from diverse backgrounds— especially rural and low-income communities— is preferred but not required. Fluency in another language, particularly Spanish, is highly valued but not a prerequisite. Prior experience in a legal environment is welcome but not required. The fellow should be available to start in the late May of 2026.
This fellowship offers health insurance, accrued sick leave and vacation, paid holidays, paid maternity/paternity leave, and a retirement plan.
How To Apply
Apply by submitting an application HERE.