Litigation Fellow (Fall 2027)

About the role

The Center for Reproductive Rights is a global human rights organization working to ensure that reproductive rights are protected in law as fundamental human rights worldwide, with offices in New York City, Washington, D.C.; Nairobi, Kenya; Bogota, Colombia; and Geneva, Switzerland. The Litigation Fellows support the work of the U.S. Litigation Unit and report to a Senior Attorney on the team. They will join the Center at a critical time for reproductive rights and access in the U.S., participating in impact litigation in state and federal courts to expand access to non‑discriminatory, high‑quality reproductive health care, including abortion, maternal health, and assisted reproduction. The fellowship is a full‑time, two‑year position beginning in Fall 2027, based in the New York City or Washington D.C. offices under a hybrid model (3 days in‑office, 2 days remote). The position is within the bargaining unit represented by UAW Local 2325 (ALAA), is FLSA‑exempt, and is classified at Career Level L1 – Fellow. Applicants for U.S.–based positions must have valid work authorization that does not require visa sponsorship by the Center.

Responsibilities

• Assist in all aspects of trial and appellate litigation work, including drafting portions of briefs, motions, and discovery requests and responses.
• Conduct factual and legal research and prepare legal memoranda and litigation analyses to assess whether and how the Center will bring litigation.
• Assist in providing compliance advice to the Center’s clients regarding complex legal and regulatory issues and risk mitigation strategies.
• Assist in monitoring and analyzing intakes.
• Bluebook and cite-check pleadings and legal briefs.
• Represent the Center at public events, conferences, and coalition meetings, as needed.
• Collaborate across the U.S. Division to advance shared priorities and alignment of our legal strategies with our policy, advocacy, and external engagement goals.
• Supervise the work of legal interns.
• Assist with other tasks, as needed.

Requirements

• J.D. degree required.
• One to three years of post‑law school experience strongly preferred but not required.
• Excellent research and writing skills and ability to analyze complex legal issues.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, including ability to self‑motivate, juggle multiple cases/projects and deadlines simultaneously, and provide quick turnaround of assignments while collaborating as part of a team and maintaining a positive attitude.
• Strong commitment to the Center’s mission, purpose, and values, along with experience or knowledge of reproductive rights legal issues, reproductive justice, racial justice, or other human rights, civil rights, criminal law, or social justice issues.
• Displays a problem‑solving and supportive attitude with colleagues and works to support the goals of the Litigation Unit, U.S. Program Division, and the Center.
• Demonstrates a commitment to inclusive equity work and incorporating inclusive equitable principles into legal, programmatic, and partnership work.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues across the Center as well as with external partners, including clients, coalition members, and pro bono counsel.
• Ability to travel as needed for court appearances and other work, including to locations outside the New York and DC areas.