Legal Research & Writing Fellow
Organizational Overview
The Sentencing Project advocates for effective and humane responses to crime that minimize imprisonment and criminalization of youth and adults by promoting racial, ethnic, economic, and gender justice. The Sentencing Project engages in research and advocacy on sentencing and related issues, advocates for criminal justice policy and practice reform, and conducts broad-scale public education through media, online and other communications. Information about The Sentencing Project is available at www.sentencingproject.org.
Job Description and Responsibilities
The Sentencing Project is seeking a self-motivated, independent-working, and high-performing legal research and writing fellow to provide support within the organization’s Second Look Network team for a total of 12 weeks, from September through December 2024 for 10 hours per week. The position is best suited for someone in law school or a recent law school graduate, who excels at research and writing. The fellow will work closely with the Director of the Second Look Network on one project.
The project involves researching, reviewing, and summarizing law review articles, research studies, and case law on the conditions of prison confinement and the various ways confinement impacts mental and physical health. After review, the fellow would also write a digestible summary and legal argument of the impacts of these conditions that could be used by advocates in legal briefs.
The fellow should be detail-oriented in both research, writing, and editing. They should be comfortable with incorporating feedback into their work and undertaking multiple revisions based on guidance.
Compensation
This is a part-time position for 10 hours/week at a rate of $25/hr. Applications are due August 30, 2024. The fellowship period ends mid-December 2024 but could be renewed if appropriate and depending on funding. Fully remote work is possible for the right candidate. The Sentencing Project is a hybrid work environment with an office in Washington, DC.
Application Procedure
Submit a cover letter, resume or CV, and writing sample to: employment@sentencingproject.org. In the cover letter, please include a discussion of your legal research and writing qualifications and experience using concrete examples of your skill sets. Applications without all three items will not be reviewed.
The Sentencing Project is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer committed to cultural diversity and ensures that Applicants have equal opportunity for recruitment and selection without regard to their race, color, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, prior convictions, or status as a protected veteran.
