Description:
The Institute for Justice, the national law firm for liberty, is the country's leading public-interest law firm in the areas of economic liberty, free speech, private property rights and educational choice. Our attorneys work on cutting-edge constitutional cases, fight to end government abuses in key areas such as civil forfeiture and qualified immunity, and champion individual rights.We are currently recruiting Litigation Fellows to join us in August/September 2026. We are looking for passionate and entrepreneurial attorneys with 0-2 years of litigation experience to join us in our headquarters office in Arlington, VA, as well as our Austin, Phoenix, and Seattle offices. This Fellowship, formerly known as our Law and Liberty Fellowship, is IJ's preferred path for recent graduates or post-clerkship candidates with less than two years of experience. Upon completion, Fellows are considered for permanent employment.
Candidates should have excellent writing and communication skills, relish the opportunity to create real-world impact, and demonstrate a strong background in constitutional law and an interest in IJ's mission.
What's it like to be a Litigation Fellow?
Simply put, it's rewarding. If you are passionate about using your law degree to stop government abuses and champion individual rights, there is no better place to be. As full members of case teams, Fellows work with IJ attorneys to bring creative, intellectually rigorous cases in federal and state courts across the country. Fellows work directly with clients and participate in every stage of litigation. No two days are the same, and our new hires jump into action on day one.
Outside the courtroom, Fellows have the opportunity to do media writing and appearances, public speaking, grassroots activism and direct advocacy to policymakers and legislators. Throughout the two-year fellowship, Fellows benefit from mentorship opportunities, expert media training, and a supportive and collegial legal work culture.
What does IJ look for when hiring Litigation Fellows?
- Excellent writing and communication skills;
- A desire to create real world impact and willingness to push the envelope in strategizing how to win challenging cases;
- A passion for limiting the size and scope of government power to ensure that all Americans have the right to control their own destinies as free and responsible members of society;
- Judicial clerkship experience (not required, but strongly preferred). IJ offers tiered clerkship bonuses for Litigation Fellow candidates coming directly from a clerkship at the federal district and appellate court level as well as the highest court in any state or the District of Columbia;
- Must be barred in Texas or eligible to waive into the Texas Bar.