2026 Equal Justice Works Design-Your-Own Fellowship Applications Are Open Admin, June 8, 2025June 8, 2025 Application Deadline:September 18, 2025 The 2026 Design-Your-Own Fellowship by Equal Justice Works is now accepting applications! This prestigious two-year legal fellowship empowers aspiring public interest attorneys to design and implement an innovative project that addresses critical legal needs in underserved communities across the United States. This is a unique opportunity for recent law graduates who are passionate about social justice to develop a fully funded project, in collaboration with a legal services organization of their choice, and make a tangible impact. Why Choose the Design-Your-Own Fellowship? Equal Justice Works is committed to fostering a future where equal access to justice is a reality for all. Through this fellowship, lawyers are encouraged to use their legal expertise and lived experiences to challenge injustice, uplift marginalized communities, and build careers in public service. Fellows are expected to design creative and community-centered projects that address systemic barriers in areas such as: Immigration and asylum LGBTQ+ rights Housing insecurity Family law Community economic development Environmental justice…and many more. Fellowship Benefits Participants in the program will receive extensive support, including: Two-year fellowship term Up to $65,000/year in salary support to the host organization (minimum salary must be comparable to similarly experienced attorneys) Health insurance and fringe benefits (provided by the host) Loan repayment assistance of up to $5,000 Leadership Development Training in Washington, D.C., offering networking and skill-building opportunities with other Fellows Who Can Apply? To be eligible for the 2026 Design-Your-Own Fellowship, applicants must: Graduate from an Equal Justice Works Member Law School before September 2026 Not have previously held a full-time, permanent public interest legal position (bridge fellowships, clerkships, private sector, or other EJW fellowships are allowed) Collaborate with a legal services organization to design a compelling and innovative project Address an unmet legal need within a vulnerable or underserved population How to Apply Applications must be submitted by September 18, 2025. Equal Justice Works uses a collaborative model—applicants are responsible for identifying a host organization and co-developing the proposed project. The organization must be eligible and willing to host the Fellow for two years. Tips for a Strong Application: Clearly define the legal issue your project will address and its impact on the target community. Use data and personal narratives to demonstrate the urgency of the issue. Build in opportunities for collaboration with local organizations or community leaders. Show the project’s potential to be sustainable and scalable beyond the fellowship term. Finding a Host Organization Equal Justice Works does not assign host organizations. Instead, candidates are encouraged to: Reach out to organizations they’ve interned with Search platforms like PSJD, Idealist, NLADA, or their law school’s career office Follow Equal Justice Works on LinkedIn for host opportunities Browse lists of past and current host organizations for ideas Resources for Applicants Before submitting your application, make use of the following helpful resources: Sample applications and project examples Sponsor Preferences and Host Organization FAQs Pro Bono and sponsor engagement materials Host certification and MOA templates Impact of the Fellowship Equal Justice Works Fellows have a track record of success and long-term commitment to justice: 85% of Fellows remain in public service after the program 60+ new Fellows are selected each year Each Fellow serves an average of 297 clients throughout their project Apply Today This is your chance to create a career-defining project and join a powerful network of changemakers. The application process is competitive, and fellowships are awarded on a rolling basis from November through April, so early submission is highly encouraged. For more information and to apply, CLICK HERE Fellowships & Scholarship opportunities Fellowship