Law Fellows

(Note: Please follow the law fellow application process outlined below.)

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force has worked to eliminate prejudice, violence, and injustice against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people at the local, state and national level since its inception in 1973. As part of a broader social justice movement for freedom, justice and equality, the Task Force is creating a world that respects and celebrates the diversity of human expression and identity and in which all people may fully participate in society.

Position Description

Task Force law fellowships and externships are available part- or full-time each semester and full-time each summer in the Washington, DC office. Law fellows and externs work in the Task Force Public Policy and Government Affairs Department, most closely with the State Legislative Director and the Transgender Civil Rights Project Director. The Public Policy and Government Affairs Department provides drafting and other technical assistance to states and localities seeking to pass LGBT civil rights legislation or defeat anti-LGBT measures; lobbies the federal government on LGBT government and regulatory matters; advocates before the courts as an amicus curiae; represents LGBT interests in the federal judicial nominations process; and participates in and organizes broad based civil rights coalitions on issues of importance to LGBT people. Law fellows and externs work closely with the department’s state legislative director and transgender civil rights project director. Tasks include:

• Drafting legislative language, letters, memos, talking points and other materials supporting local, state, and federal civil rights legislation.
• Analyzing federal and state court decisions for their impact on civil rights for the LGBT community.
• Producing materials for, and coordinating education of, Congress on discrimination and hate crimes against transgender people.
• Tracking and analyzing legislation at the federal, state and local level.
• Collaborating with other civil rights and progressive organizations to advocate and lobby for LGBT equality.

Qualifications

Applicants should possess a strong academic record, excellent interpersonal, legal research and writing skills, and an interest in LGBT policy and/or nonprofit lawyering. 1Ls, 2Ls, 3Ls and LL.M. candidates are eligible. Competition for positions in the program is high, averaging about 30 applications per position. For fall/spring positions, applicants must agree to work at least 10 hours each week. For summer positions, applicants must agree to work 10 weeks at 40 hours per week.

Compensation/Credit

Academic credit for fellows is available depending upon the policies of the student's law school. Summer law fellows receive a modest stipend.

Application Deadlines

All applications are considered on a rolling basis, so applicants are encouraged to apply early.

Summer positions: Mail your application in by Jan. 31 (postmark). Fall semesters: Mail/fax/e-mail your application in as soon as possible in August or September. Fax: 202.393.2241 (Attn: Law Fellowships). Spring Semesters: Mail/fax/e-mail your application as soon as possible in the preceding November or December. Mailed applications are appreciated.

To Apply

Send cover letter (stating the approximate dates and hours per week you are available), resume, writing sample (legal or non-legal) and law school transcript (unofficial is acceptable) to:

Task Force Law Fellowship Program
1325 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20005
Fax: 202.393.5177
E-mail: lmottet@thetaskforce.org (please call if you do not receive an acknowledgement that your application has been received)

For additional information, please contact Lisa Mottet, Esq., Transgender Civil Rights Project Director, at 202.639.6308 or lmottet@thetaskforce.org.

Last modified: February 2008