2026-2028 Legal Fellow

The California Youth Defender Center invites rising third-year law students and recent law graduates to apply for a sponsorship opportunity to work with us as a Legal Fellow for up to one/two year(s). We seek applicants to consider us for a sponsored fellowship such as Equal Justice Work, Skadden, Soros or other public interest fellowships to begin in the fall of 2026. This is a remote role which requires some in person meetings, convenings, and travel around California. 

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

• J.D. or expected to receive a J.D. by the spring of 2026
• Demonstrated commitment to public interest law, youth justice, and racial justice
• Willingness to work closely with CYDC through the funding application process
• Excellent research, writing, and verbal communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a proven ability to work independently as well as within a team
• Self-motivated with the ability to take initiative, manage a variety of tasks and see projects through to completion
• Prior experience with the juvenile and criminal legal system preferred but not required
• Commitment to advancing the mission of CYDC
• Commitment to embed the principles of equity, inclusion and belonging in your work by demonstrating commitment to inclusive workplaces with an approach that respects and values multiple perspectives