Careers at Public Justice

May 2026

FALL 2026 LEGAL EXTERNS

WASHINGTON, DC, or REMOTE

Job Description PDF

Who We Are 

Public Justice is a nonprofit legal advocacy organization that takes on the biggest systemic threats to justice of our time—abusive corporate power and predatory practices, the assault on civil rights, and the destruction of the Earth’s sustainability. It connects high impact litigation with strategic communications and the strength of our partnerships to fight these abusive and discriminatory systems and win social and economic justice. 

What We Are Looking For 

Public Justice seeks to hire four legal externs for the Fall 2026 semester, one in each of our four project areas. Students must be able to secure academic credit for their externship with Public Justice. While each extern will focus on a single project area, they may work in other project areas as need and opportunity arise. Our four project areas are: 

• The Access to Justice Project seeks to make the civil court system a fair, equitable, and effective tool for those with less power to win just outcomes. Primarily through high-impact litigation, we dismantle the procedural and structural barriers between ordinary people and the civil justice system, such as forced arbitration, limits on collective actions, overly strict standing requirements, and unwarranted court secrecy. 
• The Debtors’ Prison Project fights to end the criminalization of poverty and shrink the carceral system. Working with allies and impacted communities, we use litigation, advocacy, and education to ensure no one is jailed simply because they can’t pay and to stop governments and for-profit corporations from treating people impacted by the system as a revenue source. 

• The Students’ Civil Rights Project works to ensure that schools create safe and equitable learning environments, free from discrimination, so all students can learn and thrive. We use high-impact litigation and other advocacy tools to combat discrimination in schools, focusing primarily on racism, sexism, homophobia, and transphobia. When schools fail their students, we take them to court to secure long-lasting, systemic change and justice for the students. We also work to empower students–including students of color, LGBTQ+ students, and student survivors of sexual harassment–to press for change in their schools. 
• The Environmental Enforcement Project goes to court every day to fight climate change, secure environmental justice, and make polluters pay. We utilize the most powerful tools available to citizens by enforcing our Nation’s environmental laws in state and federal court. Our experienced litigators win precedent-setting cases that result in meaningful, transformative change. We hold polluters accountable by requiring corporations to clean up their act and comply with our Nation’s environmental laws. 

The externs are welcome to work in-person in Public Justice’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., or the externs may work remotely. Externs can expect to work with attorneys at Public Justice who are located throughout the country, including Washington, D.C. 

Public Justice’s law externs research and develop new cases in conjunction with our attorneys, law fellows, and cooperating counsel. They also assist attorneys in ongoing litigation. Our law externs are involved in legal research and writing, case review, and brainstorming on theories and approaches designed to ensure that justice is achieved. 

How to Apply 

These positions are open to those who can secure academic credit for their work with Public Justice. We will help students secure academic credit from their schools. Applicants must be second- or third-year law students at the time of the externship, and 3Ls are preferred. We do not accept applications from first-year or undergraduate students. 

Reference the project for which you are applying in your subject line and specify in your cover letter whether you are applying to work in the Washington, D.C., office or remotely. You must submit multiple applications to apply to more than one project. Applications should consist of two electronic files: 

• (1) your cover letter, resume, transcript, and contact information for two references in a single .pdf file; and 
• (2) a writing sample in another .pdf file. 

Please submit your application to lawfellow@publicjustice.net no later than May 31, 2026. 

For more information on Public Justice, please visit our website at publicjustice.net. 

Public Justice EEO Statement and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access 

We recognize that creating a truly equitable, inclusive, and diverse organization is an ongoing journey, and we’re proud and excited to share our journey with you. Please read our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policy, available here. 

Public Justice is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse workplace. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equitable employment opportunities are available to all applicants. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, age, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, disability, veteran status, record of arrest or conviction, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. People of color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, transgender and gender-diverse people, women, people with abilities in multiple languages, immigrants, people living with disabilities, veterans, and formerly incarcerated individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. Public Justice is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodations during any part of the hiring process, please email hr@publicjustice.org. 

Studies have shown that members of marginalized groups tend to underestimate their qualifications and are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every single one of the qualifications in a job description, despite the reality that applicants rarely ever meet 100% of the qualifications. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization and are most interested in finding the best candidate for the role. That candidate may come from a background less traditional to our field of work, and that’s okay! We strongly encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of the qualifications described. 

May 2026

SPONSORSHIP FOR DEBTORS’ PRISON PROJECT LEGAL FELLOWSHIP

STARTING FALL 2027

WASHINGTON, DC, or REMOTE

Job Description PDF

 Public Justice is a public interest legal advocacy organization that takes on the biggest systemic threats to justice of our time – abusive corporate power and predatory practices, the assault on civil rights and liberties, and the destruction of the earth’s sustainability. We connect high-impact litigation with strategic communications and the strength of our partnerships to fight these abusive and discriminatory systems and win social and economic justice. 

Our Debtors’ Prison Project invites rising third-year law students and law graduates to apply for an opportunity to work with us as a legal Fellow. We seek to host a candidate to apply for one- or two-year public interest fellowships from funders such as Skadden, Equal Justice Works, and/or Justice Catalyst to begin in the fall of 2027. In consultation with Public Justice, candidates can decide which funders they apply to. 

Debtors’ Prison Project (DPP) Overview 

The Debtors’ Prison Project is dedicated to fighting the criminalization of poverty nationwide in every aspect of the legal system: from arrest to the imposition and collection of criminal, civil, and immigration fines and fees. Working with allies and impacted communities, we use strategic litigation to ensure no one is punished simply because they are poor and to stop governments and for-profit corporations from treating people impacted by the criminal, civil, and immigration systems as a revenue source to exploit. 

Our approach recognizes that turning the legal system into a wealth extraction system harms poor people and traps the most vulnerable members of our communities in a cycle of poverty and oppression. We fight to identify, attack, and ultimately dismantle the policies, laws, and narratives 2 

that contribute to this unequal treatment of rich and poor and that allow entities to profit from a captive market of system-impacted people. 

Our work goes beyond the courthouse. As advocates fighting against the criminalization of poverty and the abuses of the legal system, we fight to empower people—including families, Black and Brown communities, incarcerated people, and immigrant communities—to organize for change. Working with advocates and partner organizations, we engage in policy advocacy and public education campaigns to improve laws and practices. 

The Fellowship 

Consistent with their funded project, the fellow would work on litigation and advocacy with DPP attorneys and report to the Director of DPP. The fellowship would be an exempt position. Employment is contingent upon the receipt of funding from an external funder in an amount no less than $50,000 per year. 

We will work closely with the selected candidate to craft an appropriate project proposal focused on a specific area of our work, ideally developing affirmative litigation in a single jurisdiction to which the candidate has personal ties. Here are a few examples of potential project focus areas—but we want to hear your ideas! 

• Develop new, cutting-edge legal claims (e.g. under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act) on behalf of people who are charged “pay-to-stay” fees for their time in jail or prison against for-profit debt collectors pursuing them for the debt; 
• Develop litigation on behalf of homeless people whose vehicles are towed and impounded by police, either as a direct result of their homelessness (because of bans on residing in a vehicle on public land and streets) or for some other infraction, making it impossible for them to retrieve the car without paying exorbitant fees; 
• Develop litigation challenging wealth-based detention on behalf of people who are being detained pretrial or denied parole solely because they do not have housing; 
• Develop litigation on behalf of immigrants who are facing deportation solely because they cannot afford the increased fees to pursue appeals and certain forms of immigration relief; 
• Develop litigation on behalf of immigrants whose property is confiscated and then “lost” when they are arrested; 

Projects for which previous DPP fellows have been awarded funding include: 

• Developing new challenges to the imposition of unpayable fines and fees using the Eighth Amendment’s Excessive Fines Clause; 
• Developing impact litigation on behalf of unhoused people in Arizona challenging the criminalization of homelessness, including the imposition of court debts arising from homelessness-related offenses; and 

3 

• Investigating potential impact litigation on behalf of people in Tennessee who were denied court-appointed counsel or billed for public defender fees. 

Qualifications 

• J.D. degree (by Fall 2027); 
• Admission to a state bar or pending admission (by Fall 2027); 
• Litigation experience (e.g., from internships, clinics, or clerkships); 
• Strong commitment to racial justice and to ending mass incarceration and wealth-based punishment; 
• Excellent analytical, legal research, and legal writing skills; 
• Excellent communication and public speaking skills; 
• Self-motivation and proven ability to work independently and as part of a team; 
• Ability to juggle multiple tasks at a time and work in a fast-paced environment; 
• Creativity, initiative, strong work ethic, and sound judgment; 
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to follow-through; 
• Willingness to travel; 
• Healthy distrust of governmental authority; 
• Care and respect for people who are system-involved; 
• Comfort meeting with potential clients and witnesses in jail and prison settings; and 
• Ability and willingness to contribute to the creation of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work community that thrives on collaboration. 

Compensation & Benefits 

The Fellowship would be an exempt position that reports to the Director of Debtor’s Prison Project and works closely with the attorneys of the legal projects. Our attorneys are paid on a salary scale based on years out of law school. The annual salary for an attorney who is less than a year out of law school is $84,500. 

Public Justice operates as a remote organization, embracing flexibility and inclusivity that remote work offers. However, recognizing the value of in-person collaboration and the need for physical office space, Public Justice has an office in Washington, DC. Because Public Justice handles litigation, education, and advocacy nationally, the position will entail some travel. 

We offer a mission-focused work environment, a teamwork and community-oriented work culture, and a competitive compensation package. We recognize and support healthy work-life balance policies, including operating on a four-day work week year-round. We also offer a generous benefits package, including flexible time off, two weeks of sick leave, all federal and some local holidays, end of the year office closure, employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance premiums for employees and eligible dependents, and a 401(k) plan. 

How to Apply 

Your application should consist of two electronic files: 

(1) A single PDF file containing the following: 

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• Cover letter that conveys why you are drawn to DPP’s work, how your experience fits with our mission, and your vision for your project. Please specify in your cover letter whether you are applying to work in the Washington, D.C. office or remotely. 
• Resume. 
• Law school transcript (official or unofficial). 
• Contact information for three references. 

(2) A separate PDF file with one or more writing samples. At least one sample should be a legal brief or memorandum unedited or only lightly edited by others; please include a cover sheet explaining the extent of any such editing. 

Please send your application to lawfellow@publicjustice.net. Reference “2027 DPP Fellowship” in the subject line. Starting on Thursday, June 13, 2025, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. 

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access 

We recognize that creating a truly equitable, inclusive, and diverse organization is an ongoing journey, and we’re proud and excited to share our journey with you. Please read our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policy, available here. 

Public Justice is an equal-opportunity employer and values a diverse workplace. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equitable employment opportunities are available to all applicants. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, age, national origin, citizenship of immigration status, disability, veteran status, record of arrest or conviction, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. People of color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, transgender and gender diverse people, women, people with abilities in multiple languages, immigrants, people living with disabilities, veterans, and formerly incarcerated individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Public Justice is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodations during any part of the hiring process, please email HR@publicjustice.net. 

Studies have shown that members of marginalized groups tend to underestimate their qualifications and are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every single one of the qualifications in a job description, despite the reality that applicants rarely ever meet 100% of the qualifications. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization and are most interested in finding the best candidate for the role. That candidate may come from a background less traditional to our field of work, and that’s okay! We strongly encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of the qualifications described. 

May 2026

SPONSORSHIP FOR ACCESS TO JUSTICE LEGAL FELLOWSHIP

STARTING FALL 2027

WASHINGTON, DC, or REMOTE

Job Description PDF

Public Justice is a nonprofit legal advocacy organization that takes on the biggest systemic threats to justice of our time–abusive corporate power and predatory practices, the assault on civil rights, and the destruction of the earth’s sustainability. We connect high impact litigation with strategic communications and the strength of our partnerships to fight these abusive and discriminatory systems and win social and economic justice.

Our Access to Justice (A2J) Project invites rising third‐year law students and law graduates to apply for an opportunity to work with us as a legal fellow on cutting-edge litigation and advocacy related to access to the civil court system. We seek to host a candidate to apply for one‐ or two‐year public interest fellowships from funders such as Equal Justice Works, and/or Justice Catalyst to begin in the fall of 2027.

Overview of Access to Justice Project

The Access to Justice Project (A2J) seeks to make the civil court system a fair, equitable, and effective tool for those with less power to win just outcomes and hold those with more power accountable.

The Project challenges and removes the key inequities that block access to justice through the civil courts and creates new opportunities to make the civil courts an effective tool for equitable justice. To achieve this outcome, Access to Justice works with a network of litigators, organizations, and others who share our vision, and in partnership with them, identifies, assesses, and prioritizes key barriers and opportunities for a just and equitable civil court system.

The Access to Justice Project works toward these goals primarily through strategic high-impact litigation, but also supports coalition advocacy and works to educate and engage on these topics. The Project’s current areas of focus are combatting the use of forced arbitration, restrictive standing doctrines, excessive court secrecy, undue limitations on class actions, limits on accountability for law enforcement and detention abuses, among other issues.

For more information about the litigation and advocacy work of the Access to Justice Project, visit our website here.

The Fellowship

Consistent with their funded project, the Fellow would work on litigation and advocacy with A2J’s staff attorneys, as well as a network of lawyers who collaborate on Public Justice’s work, other public interest groups, and our communications staff. The Fellow would also be responsible for conducting intakes and helping develop materials to educate the public and the bar about their work. This is an exempt position and will report to a Senior Attorney or Staff Attorney. We will work closely with the selected candidate to craft an appropriate project proposal for fellowship applications. Employment is contingent upon the receipt of funding from Equal Justice Works, Justice Catalyst, or a similar funder in an amount no less than $50,000 per year.

Qualifications

• J.D. degree (by Fall 2027).
• Admission to a state bar or pending admission by Fall 2027.
• Excellent analytical, legal research, legal writing, and speaking skills.
• Litigation experience (e.g., from internships, clinics, or clerkships).
• Ability to juggle multiple tasks at a time and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivation and proven ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Sensitivity to the needs and concerns of, and ability to work well with, individuals and groups from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to follow-through.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Healthy sense of outrage and desire to change the world for the better.
• Experience in civil litigation is preferred.
• Willingness to travel on occasion.

Compensation & Benefits

The Fellowship would be an exempt position that reports to the Director of Access to Justice and works closely with the attorneys of the legal projects. Our attorneys are paid on a salary scale based on years out of law school. The annual salary for an attorney who is less than a year out of law school is $84,500.

Public Justice operates as a remote organization, embracing flexibility and inclusivity that remote work offers. However, recognizing the value of in-person collaboration and the need for physical office space, Public Justice has an office in Washington, DC. Because Public Justice handles litigation, education, and advocacy nationally, the position will entail some travel.

We offer a mission-focused work environment, a teamwork and community-oriented work culture, and a competitive compensation package. We recognize and support healthy work-life balance policies, including operating on a four-day work week year-round. We also offer a generous benefits package, including flexible time off, two weeks of sick leave, all federal and some local holidays, end of the year office closure, employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance premiums for employees and eligible dependents, and a 401(k) plan.

How to Apply

Your application should consist of two electronic files:

• (1) Cover letter that conveys why you are drawn to Public Justice’s mission and the objectives of this position and how your experience fits with those objectives, and well as any ideas or vision you have for your project. Please specify in your cover letter whether you are applying to work in the Washington, D.C. office or remotely.
• (1) Resume.
• (1) Law school transcript (official or unofficial).
• (1) Contact information for three references.
• (2) Separate PDF file of Writing sample, preferably a legal brief or memorandum unedited or only lightly edited by another, including a cover sheet explaining the extent of editing by someone else.

Please send your application to lawfellow@publicjustice.net. Reference “2027 A2J Fellowship” in the subject line. Applicants are encouraged to submit their materials by June 15, 2026, at which point applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Public Justice EEO Statement and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access

We recognize that creating a truly equitable, inclusive, and diverse organization is an ongoing journey, and we’re proud and excited to share our journey with you. Please read our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policy, available here.

Public Justice is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse workplace. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equitable employment opportunities are available to all applicants. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, age, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, disability, veteran status, record of arrest or conviction, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. People of color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, transgender and gender-diverse people, women, people with abilities in multiple languages, immigrants, people living with disabilities, veterans, and formerly incarcerated individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. Public Justice is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodations during any part of the hiring process, please email hr@publicjustice.org.

Studies have shown that members of marginalized groups tend to underestimate their qualifications and are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every single one of the qualifications in a job description, despite the reality that applicants rarely ever meet 100% of the qualifications. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization and are most interested in finding the best candidate for the role. That candidate may come from a background less traditional to our field of work, and that’s okay! We strongly encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of the qualifications described.

March 2026

Director of Principal Giving

Remote/Washington, DC

PDF Job Description 

Public Justice is a nonprofit legal advocacy organization dedicated to taking on the biggest systemic threats to justice of our time – abusive corporate power and predatory practices, the assault on civil rights, and the destruction of the earth’s sustainability. We connect high-impact litigation with strategic communications and the strength of our partnerships to fight these abusive and discriminatory systems and win social and economic justice.

In particular, we ensure access to the civil justice system, protect the civil rights of students, boldly lead efforts to reform the industrial agriculture system, fight to end modern-day debtor’s prisons, enforce the nation’s most important environmental laws, and much more.

Public Justice seeks a full-time Director of Principal Giving to lead and executive a comprehensive major gifts strategy focused on securing high-level support from private foundations, family foundations, donor advised funds, and individual philanthropists.

This is a unique and exciting opportunity to help support fundraising efforts for some of the most critical legal and social issues facing the country. Working within a small Development Team, the Director of Principal Giving will build and manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects, cultivate long-term relationships, and introduce Public Justice’s work to high-level supporters that share Public Justice’s values. Working with the Chief Executive Officer, Vice President of Development and Membership, Project Directors and Staff Attorneys, the Director of Principal Giving will play an integral role in generating the income necessary to sustain the organization’s mission and practice areas.

This is an exempt position and reports to the Vice President of Development and Membership. This position can be based in our Washington D.C. office or remotely from other parts of the country.

Job Responsibilities:

Strategy & Portfolio Management

• Proactively identify, cultivate, solicit, and build relationships with high-net-worth individuals and philanthropists, including private and family foundation supporters, in furtherance of Public Justice’s mission and goals;
• Working closely with the Vice President of Development and Membership, evaluate Public Justice’s litigation areas for possible funding opportunities;
• Develop and implement a multi-year major gifts strategy aligned with organizational goals and revenue targets;
• Set and achieve annual revenue goals for major gifts and foundation support.

Foundation & Institutional Giving

·       Identify, research, and pursue grant opportunities from private and family foundations

·       Oversee proposal development, grant submissions, reporting, and compliance

·       Maintain relationships with foundation program officers, as appropriate

Individual Philanthropy

·       Cultivate and solicit major gifts through personalized engagement strategies.

·       Design tailored proposals and impact reports for high-net-worth individuals and families

·       Partner with executive leadership and board members to support donor engagement and solicitations

·       Oversee Public Justice’s planned giving program, the Public Justice Society

• Draft and finalize proposals, letters of inquiry, and respond to requests for proposals; track relevant deadlines; meet with staff and members of the Executive Management Team to gather necessary information to prepare these documents
• Plan and execute donor meetings, site visits, and small cultivation events
• Create and implement high-touch stewardship plans to deepen donor relationships. Ensure timely and meaningful donor recognition

Leadership & Collaboration

·      Work closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Vice President of Development and Membership, and Board to identify and engage new prospects;

·      Provide briefing materials, talking points, and strategy memos for leadership;

·      Collaborate with the individual legal projects to align funding opportunities with organizational priorities;

·      When needed, assist with other resource development activities, such as writing appeals and researching other prospective financial supporters. As requested, produce articles, updates and reports, both for internal and external purposes as well as grant reporting requirements;

Qualifications:

·       5-10+ years of previous experience in major donor, foundation management, grant-writing and managing giving programs for high-level supporters;

·       Direct knowledge and experience in research and qualification, ideally of private foundations, individual philanthropists, and trusts;

·       Successful, provable track record of securing foundation gifts at the five-, six-figure – and ideally seven-figure – levels;

·       Well-developed and demonstrably effective writing skills;

·       Problem-solver able to creatively and effectively overcome obstacles;

·       Good judgment and ability to maintain confidential information;

·       Excellent attention to detail, planning and organizational skills;

·       Experience working with Microsoft office suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint); high level of comfort working with online applications;

·       Experience managing a major gifts portfolios for a multi-issue or legal advocacy organization, especially in the areas of racial or gender justice, LGBTQ+ equality, and/or environmental justice, is strongly preferred;

·       Sense of humor, healthy sense of outrage, and desire to change the world for the better.

Salary and Benefits

Public Justice offers a mission-focused work environment, a teamwork and community-oriented work culture, and a competitive compensation package. We recognize and support healthy work-life balance policies, including operating on a four-day work week year-round. We also offer a generous benefits package, including flexible time off, two weeks of sick leave, all federal and some local holidays, end of the year office closure, employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance premiums for employees and eligible dependents, and a 401(k) plan.

Public Justice operates as a remote organization, embracing flexibility and inclusivity that remote work offers. However, recognizing the value of in-person collaboration and the need for physical office space, Public Justice has an office in Washington, DC. In addition, because Public Justice handles litigation, education, and advocacy nationally, the position may entail some travel.

Salary will be in the range of $120,000 – $150,000, depending on experience.  We are open to feedback from the market and would welcome the ability to connect with potential candidates who may be outside of the compensation band as part of our commitment to equity in pay practices.

Applications

Please send your cover letter, resume, writing sample, and contact information for three references to pjjobs@publicjustice.net. The application deadline is April 10, 2026, at which point applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Public Justice EEO Statement

Public Justice is an equal-opportunity employer and values a diverse workplace. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equitable employment opportunities are available to all applicants. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, age, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, disability, veteran status, record of arrest or conviction, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. People of color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, transgender and gender-diverse people, women, people with abilities in multiple languages, immigrants, people living with disabilities, veterans, and formerly incarcerated individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. Public Justice is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodations during any part of the hiring process, please email hr@publicjustice.net.

Studies have shown that members of marginalized groups tend to underestimate their qualifications and are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every single one of the qualifications in a job description, despite the reality that applicants rarely ever meet 100% of the qualifications. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization and are most interested in finding the best candidate for the role. That candidate may come from a background less traditional to our field of work, and that’s okay! We strongly encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of the qualifications described.

No phone calls please. For more information on Public Justice, please visit our website at http://www.publicjustice.net.

March 2026

Director of Legal Partnerships

Remote/Washington, DC

PDF Job Descrition

Public Justice is a nonprofit legal advocacy organization dedicated to taking on the biggest systemic threats to justice of our time – abusive corporate power and predatory practices, the assault on civil rights, and the destruction of the earth’s sustainability. We connect high-impact litigation with strategic communications and the strength of our partnerships to fight these abusive and discriminatory systems and win social and economic justice.

In particular, we ensure access to the civil justice system, protect the civil rights of students, boldly lead efforts to reform the industrial agriculture system, fight to end modern-day debtor’s prisons, enforce the nation’s most important environmental laws, and much more.

Public Justice is looking for a talented and creative fundraiser with a passion for building, sustaining, and growing donor relationships and an interest in communicating Public Justice’s work, and progress, to our most dedicated supporters as the Director of Legal Partnerships.

This is a unique and exciting opportunity to help raise funds for some of the most critical legal and social issues facing the country. The Director of Legal Partnerships works with Vice President of Development and Membership to focus on Public Justice’s most dedicated supporters, the majority of whom are legal professionals. The Director of Legal Partnerships will develop and implement strategies for acquisition, retention, and cultivation of law firm members ($6,000 +), mid-level members and supporters (i.e., those who give $300-$2,999 annually), and oversee Public Justice’s sponsorship program for legal vendors, the Public Justice Executive Circle.

This is an exempt position and reports to the Vice President of Development and Membership. This position can be based in our Washington D.C. office or remotely from other parts of the country.

Job Responsibilities:

• Lead all membership acquisitions, cultivation, renewal and upgrading activities for identified categories of members and prospects; draft compelling and effective solicitations, recruitment and renewal correspondence for Public Justice Foundation members and prospective members. Manage the distribution process for these correspondences.

• Identify, develop and implement creative strategies and campaigns geared toward increasing both total membership and annual member income. Establish and meet overall membership goals annually.

• Respond to membership inquiries; interact with donors and prospects via phone, email, social media, and at cultivation and fundraising events. As needed, travel to events to promote membership and to support other Development Department activities.

• Work with the Development Operations Manager on oversight of the monthly renewal program and seek ways to improve and streamline membership renewal efforts. Where possible, work to encourage members to transition to monthly giving option.

• Manage the Annual Phonathon, the organization’s volunteer fundraising drive. Lead Board and volunteer trainings; manage ongoing updates to online fundraising platform (Justice Builder) with web developer; act as project manager to assist Development Team in event execution; plan and purchase all event décor and materials; and, manage process with vendors for creation of prizes and awards.

• Work with Public Justice’s Development Committee to encourage methods of growing membership base.

• Oversee Public Justice’s sponsorship program for legal vendors, the Public Justice Executive Circle. Serve as the main point of contact for all participating vendors.

• Plan and manage series of regional member events, working in conjunction with the Vice President of Development and Membership and the development team.

• Coordinate with the Vice President of Development and Membership and other development staff on special individual giving and membership campaigns, including end of year fundraising campaign, Board and Committee fundraising drives, social media fundraising campaigns, and peer to peer fundraising campaigns.

• Perform routine administrative duties and other tasks as assigned.

Requirements and Qualifications:

• 3-5 years of previous experience in membership, strategic partnerships and/or development;
• Customer-service mentality in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment;
• Good judgment and ability to maintain confidential information;
• Excellent written, interpersonal, and verbal communication skills;
• Excellent attention to detail, planning, and organizational skills;
• Experience working with Microsoft office suite (Outlook, Word, Excel; Powerpoint); high level of comfort working with online applications;
• Experience working with database platforms such as EveryAction is desired but not required;
• Experience working for a multi-issue or legal advocacy organization, especially in the areas of racial or gender justice, LGBTQ+ equality, and/or environmental justice, is strongly preferred;

·      Willingness to travel, on occasion, to Board meetings, conferences and other membership recruitment events;

• Sense of humor, healthy sense of outrage, and desire to change the world for the better.

Salary and Benefits:

Public Justice offers a mission-focused work environment, a teamwork and community-oriented work culture, and a competitive compensation package. We recognize and support healthy work-life balance policies, including operating on a four-day work week year-round. We also offer a generous benefits package, including flexible time off, two weeks of sick leave, all federal and some local holidays, end of the year office closure, employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance premiums for employees and eligible dependents, and a 401(k) plan.

Public Justice operates as a remote organization, embracing flexibility and inclusivity that remote work offers. However, recognizing the value of in-person collaboration and the need for physical office space, Public Justice has an office in Washington, DC. In addition, because Public Justice handles litigation, education, and advocacy nationally, the position may entail some travel.

Salary will be in the range of $120,000 – $130,000, depending on experience.  We are open to feedback from the market and would welcome the ability to connect with potential candidates who may be outside of the compensation band as part of our commitment to equity in pay practices.

Applications

Please send your cover letter, resume, writing sample, and contact information for three references to pjjobs@publicjustice.net. The application deadline is April 10, 2026, at which point applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Public Justice EEO Statement

Public Justice is an equal-opportunity employer and values a diverse workplace. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equitable employment opportunities are available to all applicants. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, age, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, disability, veteran status, record of arrest or conviction, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. People of color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, transgender and gender-diverse people, women, people with abilities in multiple languages, immigrants, people living with disabilities, veterans, and formerly incarcerated individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. Public Justice is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodations during any part of the hiring process, please email hr@publicjustice.net.

Studies have shown that members of marginalized groups tend to underestimate their qualifications and are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every single one of the qualifications in a job description, despite the reality that applicants rarely ever meet 100% of the qualifications. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization and are most interested in finding the best candidate for the role. That candidate may come from a background less traditional to our field of work, and that’s okay! We strongly encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of the qualifications described.

No phone calls please. For more information on Public Justice, please visit our website at http://www.publicjustice.net.