Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) Senior Fellow, Equal Justice Works Civil Rights Fellowship 2026–2028: Salary, Responsibilities, Qualifications and How to Apply

Overview

The Southern Poverty Law Center Senior Fellow, Equal Justice Works Civil Rights Fellowship is a specialised, two-year professional opportunity for experienced civil rights attorneys. Developed in collaboration with Equal Justice Works as a new pilot initiative, the programme addresses critical gaps in civil rights enforcement, particularly following reductions in federal government capacity. Based at the Southern Poverty Law Center and lasting until 2028, the fellowship provides a structured nonprofit legal advocacy environment where former government civil rights attorneys can develop and lead strategic legal and advocacy initiatives. Selected Fellows design and implement a time-bound project aligned with one or more of the Southern Poverty Law Center impact goals, which include protecting democracy, combating hate and extremism, eliminating poverty, and ending unjust incarceration. The programme includes structured peer engagement, training, evaluation, and knowledge-sharing activities within a cohort of Equal Justice Works Civil Rights Fellows.

Who can apply

The opportunity is intended for lawyers with substantial litigation experience, particularly those who have worked in federal government civil rights and advocacy roles. It is not an entry-level legal internship or a general graduate fellowship. Applicants must possess strong legal research and writing skills, experience handling complex cases, professional bar membership in good standing, and a sustained commitment to social justice and community-centred advocacy. Candidates must also be able to identify a meaningful enforcement gap or legal challenge that aligns with at least one of the four host organisation impact goals.

What you get

Selected Senior Fellows participate in a two-year professional programme that allows them to design and execute a national litigation or advocacy initiative. Fellows work directly with the Advocacy and Litigation Impact Teams, collaborate with other legal professionals, and take part in a cohort of Equal Justice Works Civil Rights Fellows. The role provides opportunities to conduct legal and policy research, prepare legal documents, support litigation, build relationships with affected communities, and represent the organisation in public and institutional forums such as community meetings, legislative engagements, and media engagements.