Application Guide
How to Apply for 2027-2029 Legal Fellowship (Voting Right Project)
at Fair Elections Center
🏢 About Fair Elections Center
Fair Elections Center is a non-partisan organization dedicated to defending and expanding voting rights, with a unique focus on empowering students and marginalized communities through litigation, advocacy, and technology. Working here means joining a mission-driven team that has a tangible impact on democracy, with a collaborative and dynamic environment.
About This Role
As a Legal Fellow in the Voting Rights Project, you will work on cutting-edge voting rights litigation in federal and state courts, as well as engage in legislative and administrative advocacy. This role is impactful because you'll directly contribute to protecting the right to vote for disenfranchised communities, while gaining hands-on experience in election law and civil rights.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve conducting legal research on election laws, drafting memos or sections of briefs, and participating in team meetings to discuss case strategy. You may also assist in preparing for hearings or trials, and communicate with partner organizations or clients to gather information. The work is collaborative and intellectually stimulating, with a mix of independent research and team-based projects.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Fair Elections Center Is Looking For
- Current law student, recent graduate, or judicial law clerk with a strong academic record and a demonstrated interest in civil rights, voting rights, or election reform.
- Excellent legal research and writing skills, with experience in drafting memos, briefs, or other legal documents.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment, and to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Passion for social justice and a commitment to expanding access to the ballot for underrepresented communities.
📝 Tips for Applying to Fair Elections Center
Tailor your cover letter to specifically discuss your interest in voting rights and how your background aligns with Fair Elections Center's mission and the Voting Rights Project's work.
Highlight any relevant experience, such as clinics, internships, or clerkships involving election law, civil rights, or constitutional law, with concrete examples of your contributions.
Research recent cases or advocacy efforts by the Voting Rights Project and reference them in your application to show genuine engagement.
Ensure your resume includes any publications, moot court, or journal experience that demonstrates your legal writing and analytical skills.
Proofread your application materials meticulously, as attention to detail is crucial in a legal setting.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Emphasize your passion for voting rights and why you want to work specifically at Fair Elections Center, not just any legal fellowship.', 'Detail your relevant legal experience, including any hands-on work with voting rights cases, election law, or advocacy.', 'Mention your ability to work both independently and collaboratively, and your comfort with fast-paced litigation and advocacy.', 'Highlight any connection to the communities the Center serves, such as work with student groups, minority communities, or disenfranchised populations.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore Fair Elections Center's website, particularly the Voting Rights Project page, to understand their current cases and priorities.
- → Review recent news articles or press releases about the Center's litigation and advocacy victories.
- → Look into the backgrounds of the legal team members to understand their expertise and approach.
- → Familiarize yourself with major voting rights legislation and court decisions, such as the Voting Rights Act and recent Supreme Court rulings.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Generic cover letters that don't reference the specific organization or role.
- Failing to demonstrate a genuine commitment to social justice and voting rights beyond just academic interest.
- Overlooking the remote nature of the role and not addressing how you'll stay engaged and productive in a remote work environment.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Fair Elections Center!