The International Refugee Assistance Project (“IRAP”) is a dynamic and growing legal and policy advocacy organization that works to develop and enforce a system of legal and human rights for refugees and displaced people around the world. We are the leading organization providing free and comprehensive legal services to people in need of a safe place to live and a safe way to get there.

Position:

This fellowship funds a one-year position, beginning in September 2022, in IRAP’s Litigation Department. IRAP’s Litigation Department has been at the forefront of challenging government policies that harm refugees and other vulnerable populations.

The goal of the fellowship is to provide exposure to litigation and systemic advocacy to junior attorneys with interest in pursuing a career in the refugees/immigrants’ rights movement. The fellow will be expected to take part in all aspects of litigation, including by conducting time-sensitive legal and factual research, managing sensitive client communications, and drafting memos and court documents. The fellow may also be asked to provide direct legal services, draft public-facing materials, and participate in other work as needed.

Qualifications:

IRAP strongly encourages applications from people with lived experiences in the communities that we serve, members of other marginalized communities, and individuals whose identities are underrepresented in the legal profession, including those who may have interest in litigation but limited prior experience with it.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should complete the online application available here with the following information:

• Name, email, law school, degree, and year of graduation or expected year of graduation.
• A personal statement of interest no longer than 1,000 words:
• describing the applicant’s experiences with and commitment to working on behalf of refugees and displaced people;
• explaining why the applicant wishes to work at IRAP specifically and in its Litigation Department;
• describing any relevant lived experience or experience doing work similar or related to IRAP’s work; and
• describing how the fellowship would help the applicant achieve their long-term goals.
• A list of 2-3 references, preferably including at least one legal employer or supervisor. References from employers prior to law school are also accepted.
• An unofficial transcript.
• A resume.
• A writing sample of no more than 10 pages, preferably a legal research memo, that reflects the candidate’s original work and has not been heavily edited by any other person.