2026-2029 Open Horizons Disability Rights Fellowship
Not Disclosed•Full-TimeHybrid
location_onBalsa, 1313, L Street Northwest, Downtown, Ward 2, Washington, District of Columbia, 20005, United States
The Washington Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs (WLC) works to create legal, economic, and social equity through litigation, client and public education, and public policy advocacy with a primary focus on racial justice. For the last 55 years, the Committee has been on the cutting edge of civil rights advocacy in the region, bringing precedent-setting litigation to address discrimination. Our work focuses on injustices in housing, employment, the criminal legal system, education, public accommodations, and the civil rights of immigrants. We partner with individuals and communities facing discrimination and with the legal community to achieve justice. The Committee's staff is unionized with the National Organization of Legal Service Workers Local #2320, UAW.
The Open Horizon Disability Rights Fellowship is a three-year fellowship designed for law school graduates with 0-3 years of experience. This role exists to advance the elimination of disability discrimination, a thread woven through all of WLC's civil rights work. Persons with disabilities are frequently excluded from employment and business opportunities, denied accessible housing, face barriers to equal education, and experience harsher treatment by police and in prison.
As a Fellow, you will receive excellent supervision and mentorship to work on cutting-edge systemic disability rights cases on behalf of individuals and organizations, with a focus on building cases in Maryland. You will join a team comprised of WLC staff and private bar co-counsel to handle all aspects of litigation, from investigation and case development to trial. A key part of this role involves building and expanding partnerships in Maryland to assess evolving needs, identify new opportunities for impact, and shape future strategies to advance disability justice. This includes prioritizing outreach to local, grassroots organizations led by disabled Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), whose lived experience and leadership are critical to addressing the intersecting harms of racial and disability discrimination.
Applications are considered on a rolling basis and the position will remain open until filled. We are seeking applicants who can start in September 2026. A completed application must include:
Please attach your resume, references, legal writing sample, and transcript (if applicable) as a single document.
Diversity is an essential value of WLC, and we encourage all qualified persons to apply. WLC is an equal opportunity employer, and applicants are accorded an equal opportunity for selection without regard to actual or perceived race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibility, personal appearance, or political affiliation.
Work model: Hybrid
Balsa, 1313, L Street Northwest, Downtown, Ward 2, Washington, District of Columbia, 20005, United States
Washington, District of Columbia
Connections to Maryland. Language skills in languages other than English.
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Washington Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs operates as a nonpartisan public interest law organization headquartered in Washington, District of Columbia. The firm specializes in legal services focused on advancing civil rights for low-income and marginalized communities across the DMV region and throughout the United States. Its work addresses critical issues including fair housing, workers' rights, disability rights, education justice, immigrant justice, and criminal legal system reform.
The organization provides strategic litigation to represent community organizations, tenant collectives, and individuals. It collaborates with a broad network of DC pro bono lawyers, ranging from attorneys at major national firms to solo practitioners, to protect immigrant neighbors, defend local autonomy, and safeguard civil rights for all residents. This partnership model ensures that legal expertise is accessible to those who need it most.
Situated in the Nation's Capital, the group stands on the frontlines of national battles for justice and equality. By focusing on systemic change through litigation and community partnerships, the committee works to ensure that legal protections are upheld for vulnerable populations within its service area and beyond.
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Experience
0-3 yrs (Entry Level)
Job Type
Full-Time