Clinical Fellow, Civil Rights & Justice Clinic

Job Description

As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills, and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.

UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits, and natural beauty.

The University of Washington School of Law equips students with the with intellectual tools and hands-on legal experience in their journey to become practice-ready lawyers able to work in any field they choose through excellent doctrinal and experiential offerings. The University of Washington School of Law’s Clinical Program provides students with real-world legal experience assisting clients and communities working on real cases, transactions and projects for academic credit supervised by experienced faculty members. The Clinical law program currently has 10 in-house clinics.

The University of Washington School of Law seeks applications for a clinical fellowship in the Civil Rights and Justice Clinic within UW's Law School. This is a 12-month position beginning Fall of 2026, designed for lawyers with some law practice who are considering a career in civil-rights and public interest litigation, law school administration, or some combination of thereof. The principal supervisor for the position will be Professor David B. Owens.

The fellow will work in our year-long Civil Rights and Justice Clinic.  The Civil Rights and Justice Clinic (CRJC) aims to be a national leader in focusing on issues of constitutional rights, policing, and other issues related to criminal adjudication and social justice. The mission of the clinic is to address the violation of people’s rights, to confront racial and social inequity, and to pursue measures of accountability and reform that will prevent and deter wrongs in the future.  To do so, the CRJC focuses principally on representing people, and classes of people, who have been abused or harmed by the police or other public officials in civil rights actions pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983. The bulk of the cases in the CRJC involve (1) representing wrongfully convicted individuals in civil suits seeking compensation for the grave harm and injustice of being wrongfully convicted and (2) individuals harmed or whose loved ones were killed police violence. In addition, the Clinic represents clients in state-court proceedings under Washington’s Wrongly Convicted Person’s Act; collaborating in non-litigation, community-driven initiatives the improve policy, practice, both locally and through legislative efforts; and engaging in research and advocacy to address issues systemic issues (e.g., through conducting research studies, authoring amicus briefs on important issues in state and federal courts.).

Responsibilities: 100%

• Representing clients in  day-to-day civil-rights litigation at every phase of a case; i.e., pleadings, discovery (written and oral), motion practice, appeals, trials, and mediation.

• Supervising law students participating in clinic litigation

• Providing clinic course support, assisting students with enrollment/registration processes, setting up student access to clinic-specific tools like Clio for case management, and responding to student inquiries and concerns.

• Managing cases without student contributions.

• If interested, pursuing a scholarship agenda may be supported. 

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate (J.D.)

• At least 9 months of legal experience is required. Applicants with background working in federal courts (via clerkships or other fellowships), doing litigation in the field (in any capacity), or with other litigation experience is preferred.   

• Candidates must be able to work both independently and as part of a team, and must possess strong written and oral communication skills.

• Strong writing and legal research skills.

• Bar passage. Admission to WA state bar preferred, other state bar passage is accepted.

• Ability to deal with difficult, traumatic factual scenarios that have befallen our clients or are present in our cases. The CRJC’s caseload involves discussion of serious felony crimes or acts of violence—e.g., murder, sexual assault, domestic violence, shootings, gang crimes, etc.—that cannot be avoided. While some adjustments can be made to avoid particular topics, a willingness and ability to advocate as an attorney even when discussing or viewing graphic or violent material is necessary.  

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

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About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.