Promote social justice and defend the civil rights of Oakland's most vulnerable - legal fellowships

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The Oakland City Attorney’s Office invites motivated third-year students and lawyers completing judicial clerkships who are able to secure funding (e.g., through their law school or a foundation) to collaborate with City staff on developing fellowship projects with its Community Lawyering and Civil Rights Unit or its Neighborhood Law Corps ("NLC").

The Community Lawyering and Civil Rights Unit is a new project launched by City Attorney Barbara Parker to prosecute social justice cases in areas including but not limited to housing, wage theft, and civil rights in order to ensure all persons in Oakland are treated fairly and with dignity. This new unit will also draft local ordinances and resolutions, serving as a progressive think tank within local government. Fellows will have the opportunity to make significant contributions to this newly-formed unit.

The NLC is an award-winning unit within the City Attorney’s Office that functions as its direct connection to Oakland’s communities. The NLC focuses on difficult issues facing neighborhoods such as human trafficking, substandard housing, and community safety. NLC attorneys seek innovative ways to deal with Oakland’s most difficult problems.

The City Attorney seeks candidates who are self-starters with a deep and demonstrated commitment to public service and social justice. To apply, submit a cover letter, a résumé, a brief writing sample (10 double-spaced pages or less), transcripts and three references.

In your cover letter, please indicate any relevant areas of interest or expertise and briefly describe any ideas you have for a fellowship project.