FELLOWSHIPS
ArchCity Defenders (ACD) invites applications for sponsorship of a fellow for Skadden, Equal Justice Works, Justice Catalyst, Soros and/or similar programs for the fellowship periods beginning in September 2023 and September 2024.
ACD is a holistic legal advocacy organization that combats the criminalization of poverty and state violence, especially in communities of color. ACD’s foundation of civil and criminal legal representation, social services, impact litigation, policy and media advocacy, and community collaboration achieves and inspires justice and equitable outcomes for people throughout the St. Louis region and beyond.
ACD envisions a society liberated from systems of oppression where the promise of justice and racial equity is realized; communities where our approach to public safety prioritizes investment in well-being, health, and transformation without relying on criminalization and incarceration; and people living freely in their communities, thriving regardless of their race or income.
ACD seeks a diligent and creative individual with a strong commitment to social justice to join our dynamic and diverse staff of attorneys, paralegals, social workers, community organizers, and media and communication advocates who collaborate to provide holistic advocacy to address the causes and consequences of poverty and involvement with the legal system.
ArchCity encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, and veteran status.
ABOUT THE CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
We are open to proposals from dedicated law students or eligible attorneys who are committed to racial and social justice legal work in St. Louis on the following topics:
- Re-envisioning public safety via decarceration, eliminating debtors’ prisons, addressing illegal fines and fees, cash bail, and/or bond conditions, and combating unconstitutional policing and conditions of incarceration
- Combatting homelessness and criminalization of unhoused persons
- Promoting housing as a human right – economic injustice, housing conditions, eviction prevention, and/or eviction defense
- Other topics related to the criminalization of poverty or state violence, in consultation with ACD staff and leadership
APPLICATION DETAILS
Prospective applicants should reach out to Blake Strode, Executive Director, at BStrode@archcitydefenders.org to express your interest in working with ArchCity Defenders as your fellowship host organization.
In the email, briefly describe your interest in ArchCity Defenders and in working on any of the above issue areas as well as your commitment to St. Louis and/or issues faced by residents living in the region.