FAIR Fellowship accepting applications through October 30, 2025

Written By FAIR Foundation

ATTENTION 3Ls! FAIR is now accepting applications for the 2026-2028 FAIR Fellowship, a unique 18-month post-graduate opportunity designed to deepen diversity in the plaintiffs’ employment bar in California and to empower new attorneys who are committed to worker rights.

Key Details

  • Duration: 18 months (September 2026 – February 2028)

  • Structure:

    • First 12 months with Legal Aid at Work (remotely, based in California)

    • Final 6 months at a plaintiff-side employment law firm that is a member of the California Employment Lawyers Association (CELA)

  • Compensation:

    • Salary is $97,344 (annualized) plus benefits during the Legal Aid at Work portion of the fellowship

    • A $10,000 bar stipend is available (to assist with bar exam study/admission)

What Fellows Will Do

FAIR Fellows will have a hands-on role in employee justice work, including:

  • Litigation in both state and federal courts: from investigation and complaint drafting through motion practice, discovery, trial prep and appeals

  • Advising clients, handling pre-litigation issues, and negotiating settlements

  • Community outreach, education, and policy or regulatory advocacy

  • Working on issues particularly in racial justice, immigrant rights, wage claims, or related areas

Eligibility

To apply, candidates should:

  • Be a new attorney with zero to three years of legal experience

  • Be admitted to the California bar (This requirement may be waived for a reasonable period of time to allow the Fellow to take and pass the Bar examination.)

  • Demonstrate a commitment to social justice, civil rights, and diversity, equity & inclusion work

  • Possess strong skills in writing, analysis, research, and communication

  • Fluency in Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Arabic or Farsi is highly preferred

Deadline & How to Apply

  • Deadline: Wednesday, October 30, 2025—all materials must be received by this date.

  • Application instructions: Visit fair-foundation.org/ff26 for complete details.

Why Apply

If you’re a new lawyer passionate about worker rights, racial equity, immigrant justice, or wage/equality issues, this fellowship offers:

  • A rare opportunity to split time between nonprofit and private plaintiff employment law practice, building diverse experience

  • Competitive compensation package

  • Mentorship and the ability to work deeply in impact litigation and/or policy/regulatory advocacy

FAIR Foundation
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