Law Fellow (Hybrid)

Closing Date: 17th January, 2026

Description:

Special Instructions to Applicants
This is 2-year contract position starting from August 2026 - August 2028.

Please include a cover letter with application submission.

This position is hybrid with approx. 2x onsite/week.

Position Summary:
The Williams Institute seeks a law fellow to engage in cutting-edge and high-quality research and analysis related to sexual orientation and gender identity law and public policy. The Daniel. H. Renberg Law Fellow will further the Williams Institute's mission by conducting legal and multi-disciplinary research on discrimination facing LGBTQ people, LGBTQ health, LGBTQ families, and criminal justice, among other topics. The Law Fellow will contribute to self-published reports, academic articles, public comments, amicus briefs and other Institute work. The position will be based in Los Angeles, California with a hybrid schedule (part-time in office, part-time remote). This is a two-year fellowship position. The fellowship will begin in August 2026 and conclude in August 2028. Applicants are required to take a state bar exam before they begin their fellowship (California bar preferred, but not required). The nation's leading research center on sexual orientation and gender identity law and public policy, the Williams Institute produces rigorous and independent research with real-world relevance and disseminates it to judges, legislators, policymakers, media, and the public. Research from the Williams Institute has impacted a wide variety of law and policy issues. For example, the U.S. Supreme Court and numerous other federal courts relied on Williams Institute research in striking down marriage equality bans; President Obama relied on Williams Institute research when issuing an Executive Order prohibiting federal contractors from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity; and Williams Institute research helped form the legislative record supporting passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act by Congress. For more information, please visit our website at williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu.

Salary & Compensation
*UCLA provides a full pay range. Actual salary offers consider factors, including budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations. Salary offers at the top of the range are not common. Visit UC Benefit package to discover benefits that start on day one, and UC Total Compensation Estimator to calculate the total compensation value with benefits.

Qualifications:

• Ability to perform comprehensive legal (and social science, if appropriate) research and analysis and produce analytical reports on their findings. Strong research skills and experience. (Required)
• Experience with data management software, such as Excel, mapping programs, or other comparable software. Demonstrated knowledge of and skill in utilizing a computer to design tables, charts, graphs and reports for group and one-on-one presentations. (Required)
• Demonstrated experience with or substantive knowledge of legal issues involving sexual orientation, gender identity, and LGBTQ populations in the United States. (Required)
• Demonstrated ability to produce the highest-caliber legal research and writing. (Required)
• Excellent skill in speaking effectively and persuasively to individuals and groups. (Required)
• Initiative and good judgment. (Required)
• Demonstrated ability to present research findings in written, verbal or electronic formats to be understood by various audiences (academic and non-scholarly participants). (Required)
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to work effectively under conditions of heavy workload, frequent interruptions, distractions, and deadlines. (Required)
• Knowledge of LGBTQ legal and political community both in Los Angeles and nationwide. (Preferred)
• Commitment to the Williams Institute's mission and passion for improving the lives of LGBTQ people through independent and rigorous research. (Preferred)

Education, Licenses, Certifications & Personal Affiliations

• Bachelor's Degree in related area and/or equivalent combination of education and experience / training (Required)
• Master's Degree Dual degree (e.g. MPP, MPH, MS) with empirical research training (i.e., study design, statistical analysis) (Preferred)
• Juris Doctor (JD) Degree (Required)
• Attorney admitted to practice law in California. (Preferred)
• Awaiting bar results, if not admitted. (Required)

Special Conditions for Employment

• Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.
• Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.
• Age Requirement: Candidate(s) must be 18 years or older to be eligible to be hired.

Schedule:
Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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