Careers
Fall 2026 Legal Fellowship:
Brown’s Promise at the Southern Education Foundation
The Opportunity
Brown’s Promise (hosted by the Southern Education Foundation) seeks to host a Legal Fellow through the Equal Justice Works Fellowship, Justice Catalyst Fellowship, and other funded public interest fellowships to begin in Fall 2026. Brown’s Promise will consider all proposed projects related to our mission. We welcome applicants with fully developed project proposals as well as those who are eager to collaborate with our team to develop project ideas. Brown’s Promise staff will work with the selected applicant to quickly finalize a competitive project proposal to submit to external funders.
Brown’s Promise Legal Fellows work under the direct supervision of our Chief Legal Counsel, in collaboration with our policy team, and support our work on community-based impact litigation to advance integrated, well-resourced public schools for all students, and especially for students of color and students experiencing poverty.
Minimum Requirements
The ideal candidate meets the following requirements, embodying a strong commitment to educational equity and civil rights, as well as a desire to engage with diverse communities to advance racial justice.
Law degree, or expected by the spring of 2026;
Have been admitted to the bar or scheduled to take a bar examination by the summer 2026;
Demonstrated commitment to education, equity, racial justice and civil rights;
Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills as demonstrated through professional experience, writing sample, and academic record;
Effective written and oral communication skills in both legal and non-legal settings;
Ability to work cooperatively on a variety of projects with all Brown’s Promise staff and to develop and maintain positive relationships with diverse clients and community organizations; and
Ability to travel, as needed.
Preference will be given to applicants who:
Have prior experience working with or ties to low-income communities of color;
Can demonstrate involvement in activities, employment, or scholarship that promotes education equity, desegregation, racial justice, inclusion and increased opportunity for historically marginalized communities; and,
Law school journal or clerkship experience.
We encourage applications from individuals who may not meet every listed qualification but bring passion, lived experience, or unique perspectives aligned with our mission.”
Compensation
The selected applicant will work with Brown’s Promise to apply for external funding. Brown’s Promise also offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and retirement, as well as generous and flexible leave.
Location
Fully remote; preference may be given to applicants based in any of the following: Massachusetts, Georgia, Colorado, D.C.-Maryland-Virginia area or the southeastern region of the United States.
5-25% travel expected.
To Apply
Please submit the following to jobs@brownspromise.org:
Resume
Cover letter
Three references
Legal writing sample- The legal writing sample must be the applicant’s original work—please indicate at the beginning of the document whether and the extent to which it has been edited by others.
Law school transcript
In your cover letter, please describe:
Why you are interested in working on issues of educational equity and civil rights;
Whether you have particular ties or interest in working in Georgia, Massachusetts, or Colorado (not a requirement, but helpful to know as we craft projects);
Your experience and level of interest in any or all of the following:
Legal research and writing;
Public policy analysis;
Community engagement / organizing;
Data analysis;
Any project proposal(s) you would like for Brown’s Promise to consider and/or help craft.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Priority will be given to applications submitted by August 15, 2025.
For questions or accommodations, please contact jobs@brownspromise.org.