Description:
Job Summary:We are seeking to train and develop a mission-driven civil rights attorney to help advance housing justice across Virginia. This role will support strategic legal initiatives and litigation aimed at dismantling barriers to equitable housing, challenging systemic discriminatory practices, and addressing the lasting harms of redlining and underinvestment in marginalized communities. The fellow will also help enforce individual clients' fair housing rights.
Building on HOME's long history as a leader in fair housing litigation and legal advocacy, this position is part of our in-house legal practice and works closely with HOME's policy, research, enforcement, and housing counseling departments, as well as with outside counsel, partner organizations, and community advocates to advance fair housing through impactful legal strategies.
Key responsibilities include identifying and pursuing cases that create systemic change; partnering with impacted communities to strengthen resident voices and support self-advocacy; litigating fair housing cases; and increasing awareness of legal tools that combat housing discrimination among attorneys, advocates, and the public.
The ideal candidate will bring a deep commitment to HOME's mission and a strong interest in civil rights and housing justice. Candidates must be licensed to practice law in Virginia or eligible to waive in, or be eligible to sit for the Virginia State Bar Exam and obtain licensure by October. Graduating law students, recent graduates, and judicial clerks completing clerkships are strongly encouraged to apply.
The fellowship is funded by a generous gift from Meier Watkins LLP.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Represent plaintiffs including both HOME as an institution and other clients in legal cases that advance fair housing rights and housing equity.
- Maintain legal case files, meet deadlines, and advance legal cases with the highest levels of professionalism and legal ethics in relationships with clients and outside parties.
- Work with policy, research, enforcement and investigation, communications, and housing counseling departments at HOME to identify housing justice issues ripe for systemic change via a multi-pronged advocacy approach.
- Develop and implement strategic advocacy campaigns advancing housing equity. The development of advocacy campaigns will incorporate the priorities and perspectives of impacted communities and constituents.
- Foster strong working relationships with partner organizations, stakeholders, community leaders, law firms, and other public interest groups seeking to advance housing justice.
- Participate in funding development activities as requested, including assisting with grant writing or meeting with funders.
- Respond to opportunities to advance HOME's mission and perform other duties as assigned and prioritized by HOME's leadership.
What you will bring:
We are seeking a candidate with passion for advocating for people and combating discrimination, with an interest in advancing civil rights through investigations, litigation, policy campaigns, and community advocacy. The ideal candidate will bring curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to learn in new and evolving situations, along with an interest in both individual client advocacy and broader systemic change. HOME values staff with diverse personal, educational, and professional experiences, and welcomes candidates from all backgrounds. Even if you do not meet every qualification below, we encourage you to apply if you are excited about our mission and believe you would be a strong fit. While no one candidate is expected to possess all of the following attributes, an ideal candidate will bring many of them:
- J.D. or equivalent degree, with admission to the Virginia State Bar, eligibility to waive in, or willingness to sit for the next Virginia bar exam.
- Graduating from law school this year or within the past three years.
- Demonstrated commitment to civil rights, social justice, and racial equity.
- Strong understanding of housing law and litigation.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build authentic relationships with a wide range of people.
- Collaborative working style with a strong service mindset.
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities effectively.
- Excellent communication, writing, and editing skills, with the ability to prepare clear, persuasive, and well-organized materials.
- Strong presentation skills, including the ability to lead trainings, explain complex issues clearly, and engage stakeholders and partners.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Teams.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and varying abilities, both independently and as part of a team.
- Willingness to work a flexible schedule that may include occasional evenings, weekends, and travel across Virginia.
- Sound judgment, discretion, and diplomacy.
- Ability to maintain a high degree of professionalism and confidentiality.
- Commitment to treating colleagues, partners, clients, and stakeholders with respect.
This position will remain open until filled. Review of applications will begin Monday, May 25, 2026.
Hiring salary is $70,000 per year, or $75,000 for applicants who have completed a judicial clerkship. This is a Virginia-based position, and HOME will provide relocation assistance for a successful candidate who must move to accept the role.
HOME is committed to employee engagement and to fostering a healthy, diverse, and inclusive workplace. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes employer-paid health and dental insurance, a flexible work schedule, and employer contributions to a 403(b) retirement plan. Our generous holiday and leave policies are designed to support rest and promote a meaningful work-life balance.