Legal Fellow – Fall 2027

About the role

Law Forward seeks a Legal Fellow to join a growing and dynamic impact litigation nonprofit in Fall 2027. The ideal candidate will be an early‑career lawyer seeking to develop their legal career in the area of fair elections and equitable functioning of state and local government. The Fellow will think creatively and strategically about legal tools and processes to hold government accountable, using legal research and tools to address challenges in the law, and working collaboratively with colleagues, co‑counsel, and clients to conceptualize, develop, and bring legal challenges designed to safeguard clients’ participation in Wisconsin’s democratic processes.

Responsibilities

• Draft legal briefs with Law Forward attorneys and co‑counsel.
• Research novel legal questions.
• Communicate with clients and allies around the state and the nation about shared work and goals.
• Monitor litigation and policy developments at the state and federal level that impact Law Forward’s mission.
• Draft non‑legal communications for policy reports, Law Forward’s blog, and op‑eds.

Requirements

• Admitted to practice in Wisconsin or eligible for admission within one year.
• Recent law school graduate (within four years) with courtroom or client experience as a lawyer, clerk, or law student.
• Strong legal research and writing skills, with a demonstrated track record of drafting briefs, memos, or pleadings.
• Ability to prioritize under stress; sense of humor is a plus.
• Commitment to Law Forward’s mission to protect and strengthen democracy.
• Comfort with technology and proficiency in multiple communications and research platforms; experience using Westlaw is required.

Benefits

• Full health, dental, and vision insurance coverage for employees; 50 % coverage for spouses and dependents.
• Group life, accidental death and dismemberment, and short‑term disability insurance.
• Five weeks of paid time off plus ten paid holidays.
• Retirement savings plan option after three full months of employment.

Pay

Salary range: $62,000 – $80,000 per year.

Schedule

Full‑time position based in Madison, Wisconsin, with an opportunity for some remote work. Approximate term: two academic years, starting Fall 2027.

Law Forward is an equal‑opportunity employer and encourages applications from people of color, LGBTQ+ people, and people with disabilities.