Social Justice and Impact Litigation fellowship
Through our Social Justice and Impact Litigation Fellowship Program, we select talented new lawyers and train them as local government litigators and advisors equipped to advance social and economic justice in the county and beyond.
Our Fellowship Program is a two-year position open to recent law school graduates, judicial law clerks, and current third-year law students (J.D. expected prior to beginning fellowship). For members of the California Bar, the starting salary is $132,640 - $204,869, depending on experience.
Why join us for a fellowship?
Our Office’s Social Justice and Impact Litigation Team litigates high-impact cases, drafts innovative local ordinances, and develops new policies and programs to advance the County’s goal of achieving social and economic justice for all its residents and to promote local, state, and national public policy reform. We also provide a broad range of legal advice to County departments and defend the County in select cases involving the County’s ability to keep providing important government services to the public.
Our Fellows contribute to the growing movement to use the power and perspective of local government to drive long-lasting social change. As an integral part of the Social Justice and Impact Litigation Team, Fellows conduct legal research and analysis; draft memos, ordinances, and resolutions; participate in ongoing litigation and amicus efforts; draft public comments on proposed federal regulations; and help identify and develop new cases and projects. Special attention is paid to the professional development of our Fellows and to fostering a lifelong commitment to public service with a focus on local governance.
Fellows also gain exposure to a broad array of local government practice areas though projects and assignments with other teams in the Office, such as health and hospitals; human services; public safety and justice; community protection; finance, government operations, and technology; and environment and land use. These projects may involve researching and drafting memoranda for the Board of Supervisors, providing legal advice to County agencies, and assisting with other litigation matters.
We value diversity and experience working in and for vulnerable communities and seek to foster a work environment that is diverse, inclusive, and collaborative.
Here is a list of our current and past fellows.
Application process and deadline
The Office will be posting for the 2025-2026 fellowship in June 2024.