2026 Housing Justice Post-Graduate Legal Fellowship

Housing Justice Post-Graduate Legal Fellowship

(Full-Time, Exempt Position)

Inner City Law Center (ICLC) is a nonprofit law firm located in the Skid Row neighborhood of Los Angeles. We are looking for extraordinary people to help us end homelessness in Los Angeles. Founded on the fundamental principle that every person should always be treated with dignity and respect, ICLC fights for justice for low-income tenants, working-poor families, people who are disabled or experiencing homelessness, people living with HIV/AIDS, and homeless veterans.

The Issue: Homelessness and housing instability in Los Angeles County have reached unimaginable proportions. The reasons behind this problem are plenty and range from economic inequalities and a failure of incomes to keep up with rising costs of living, to systemic racism. As a result, more and more Angelenos are facing unlawful evictions at the hands of unscrupulous landlords, ending up in tent cities that are spreading across every corner of the County, being forced to live in unsanitary and hazardous conditions, struggling financially, lacking vital benefits, and living the consequences of racial injustices. The global pandemic and its aftermath further highlighted the disproportionate impact of social and racial injustice on low-income Angelenos. The most effective solution to homelessness is to prevent a tenant from losing their rent-controlled apartment in the first place.

Fellowship Project: ICLC invites current 3Ls and recent law school graduates to join our fight to end homelessness by applying for a Housing Justice Fellowship. Fellows will engage in fast-paced eviction defense litigation with opportunities to work directly with clients; handle all stages of cases from pleadings to discovery, motions, hearings, settlement, and trial; participate in community outreach and education efforts; and work with private law firms providing pro bono representation to ICLC's clients. Fellows will also go through a rigorous training curriculum and receive targeted and in-depth guidance and mentorship throughout their fellowship. Through their work, Fellows will preserve safe and affordable housing for all Angelenos.

Hiring Criteria: Commitment to ICLC's mission and values. Demonstrated commitment to tenants' rights, social justice, or public interest law. Entry level (0-2 years) of experience. California Bar Membership or plans to take the California bar exam in Spring/Summer 2026. Bright, good judgment, and works well with clients and team members. Strong research, writing, and analytical skills. Organized, detail oriented, and able to assume responsibility quickly and independently in a rapidly growing organization. Must have access to reliable transportation.

Commitment & Compensation: This will be a full-time, two-year fellowship working with our Eviction Defense team starting in Fall 2026. Salary begins at $70,304 with potential escalation to $82,500 annually upon California Bar passage and admission. Excellent benefits.

How to Apply: Cover letters and resumes are reviewed upon receipt and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. To apply, please upload your resume and cover letter detailing interest in the position directly to our website at Applications will not be considered if both resume and cover letter are not provided.

Inner City Law Center is committed to having a diverse staff and an equitable and inclusive workplace. To read our full DEI Statement, please click here.

ICLC is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to their race, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, age, disability, marital status, or medical condition. All qualified applicants with criminal histories shall be considered in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

To keep our staff and clients safe, ICLC requires all staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and undergo TB testing upon hire.