Legal Aid Association of California New Attorney Pipeline

Closing next FAIR Fellowship applications close October 30 in 4 days

Fellowship deadlines

FAIR Fellowship

Build a workers’ rights practice at Legal Aid at Work and a plaintiffs’ law firm. Apply directly to the program; you do not need to design a project with a host.

Run by Foundation for Advocacy, Inclusion and Resources

For New attorneys with zero to three years of legal experience

Next step Apply by October 30, 2026

What it is

18-month employment-law fellowship. At least $97,344 annualized, plus benefits, with up to $10,000 for bar study.

September 2027 through February 2029: twelve months at Legal Aid at Work, working remotely within California, then six months at a CELA-affiliated plaintiffs’ firm. The firm placement has its own matching and hiring process.

Program Dates

The 2027–2029 fellowship runs for eighteen months. All application materials are due October 30, 2026.

2027 cycle dates
Date What happens
October 30, 2026 in 4 days Applications close All materials must be received

Who can apply

  • Zero to three years of legal experience.
  • California Bar membership. The sponsor may waive this for a reasonable period while the fellow takes and passes the bar exam.
  • Strong research, writing and communication skills, a commitment to social justice and workers’ rights, and the ability to travel as required.

How to Apply

  1. Use the application form on the official program page.
  2. Prepare a resume, unofficial transcript, two references, a writing sample of no more than ten pages, and a personal essay of about 500 words.
  3. Arrange two recommendation letters, sent directly to the selection committee.
  4. Follow the sponsor’s submission instructions and send all materials by October 30, 2026.

Application and instructions