Open Horizon Civil Justice Fellowship 2025-2026

The Council for Court Excellence (CCE) is now accepting applications for the 2025-26 Open Horizon Civil Justice Fellowship. Funded primarily by the Open Horizon Foundation, this fellowship offers an early-career lawyer the opportunity to work for one year on research, policy advocacy, and educational initiatives focused on civil access to justice and court innovation in Washington, D.C. This fellowship is open to individuals who have graduated with a Juris Doctor within the last two years or will graduate with a JD this academic year; CCE will consider candidates who can start any time between March and August 2025, with a strong preference for those who can start earlier.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Fellow will work closely with CCE staff, Board committees, directly affected community members, coalition partners, and other stakeholders to improve the fairness and function of D.C.’s courts and civil legal system. Projects may include creating self-help resources for court users; working with partners to educate the public on recent changes to the D.C. probate system and identifying additional policy changes that could further improve estate administration; identifying opportunities to increase the accessibility of the courts for individuals with disabilities; researching and making recommendations around improvements to the jury system; and providing policy guidance on the impacts of the federal government on D.C.’s local legal systems. The Fellow may also have the opportunity to support some of CCE’s work in the criminal and youth justice portfolios.

Key responsibilities include:

• Conducting research, and writing and editing a variety of publications, memos, external and internal communications (~40%)
• Assisting with identifying, developing, and implementing projects, policy solutions, and educational projects, including tracking and analyzing legislation, proposed regulations, and other agency or court decision-making; and attending hearings, briefings, and other events (~30%)
• Supporting the management of CCE committees and participating in relevant coalitions (~25%)
• Administrative and other duties (~5%).

Qualifications

The Civil Justice Fellowship is open to individuals who have graduated with a Juris Doctor within the last two (2) years or who will graduate with a JD during the current academic year, with preference given to those from historically underrepresented groups in the legal professions, with lived justice system experience, and/or who grew up in Washington, D.C. Preference will also be given to candidates who can begin sooner than later.

A successful candidate will be self-motivated with demonstrated time management and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines. They will have good oral and written communication skills, including the ability to explain law, data, and policy for different audiences verbally and in writing. They will have good interpersonal skills, able to engage professionally with diverse constituencies, including lawyers, judges, government officials, people directly affected by the legal system, and others. They will have a "team player" mindset and be willing to pitch in with a wide array of projects across the organization. Finally, they will have a commitment to contributing to an inclusive, respectful working environment and a willingness to continue to learn about diversity, equity, and inclusion principles.

Additional Criteria for Employment

Please note that if candidates do not have or cannot demonstrate the required skills, their applications will not be considered.

• Some experience with primary social science or legal research, qualitative or quantitative data collection, or data analysis and interpretation required.
• Strong oral and written communication skills required, including the ability to explain legal issues, data, and policy clearly for different audiences verbally and in writing with support from senior staff.
• Excellent computer skills required, including experience working with the Microsoft Office suite, cloud-based file management systems (e.g., Box or Google Drive), project management systems (e.g., Asana), and video and audio conferencing (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams).
• Some knowledge of or experience of the legal system in the District of Columbia is strongly preferred.
• Experience communicating with and advocating to state or local government staff, elected or appointed officials, and/or judicial officers; some knowledge of the operations of D.C. Council, executive agencies, and/or the courts preferred.
• Some experience with community education, public engagement, and/or meeting facilitation with diverse participants preferred.
• Commitment to and interest in the mission of the Council for Court Excellence.

Note: this position features core job duties that require some work in CCE’s office, government buildings, D.C. courts, etc., so a successful candidate will live in the greater Washington, DC region and be able to come to D.C. frequently (though there is flexibility to work remotely regularly, if desired). Please note that candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

Salary and Benefits

$63,000 annually, plus benefits including employer-paid individual health insurance, retirement account with a 4% employer match after six months, generous annual and wellness leave, paid Bar dues, professional development funding, and flexible scheduling. CCE observes all D.C. government holidays, plus gives employees the day after Thanksgiving (and typically the week between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day) off.

To Apply

Please submit your application at https://careers.smartrecruiters.com/CouncilForCourtExcellence. Note that the application site will only allow you to submit one (1) document. Please use the “Resume” field to submit a single PDF that includes: 1) a cover letter, 2) your resume, and 3) a writing sample (no more than 5 pages, excerpts are fine). You can use the website ILovePDF.com to create and merge PDFs if needed.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting on February 10, 2025 and the position will remain open until filled. In the cover letter, please identify your preferred start date for the one or two-year fellowship; this can be immediate through August 2025.

The interview process will include a short phone screening, a first round interview (~45m) via Zoom, and a final interview (~90m) either in person or via Zoom.

CCE depends on and values a diverse staff and diverse perspectives to carry out its mission. People with lived experience within the justice system are strongly encouraged to apply. CCE is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, or current employment status.

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About CCE

The Council for Court Excellence’s mission is to enhance the justice system in the District of Columbia to serve the public equitably. CCE identifies and proposes solutions by collaborating with diverse stakeholders to conduct research, advance policy, educate the public, and increase civic engagement. CCE does work related to the adult criminal legal system, the youth justice system, and the courts and civil legal system. CCE also creates tools and opportunities to educate D.C. residents on aspects of these systems that impact their lives and build support for systemic change.

About the Open Horizon Foundation

Open Horizon is a foundation based in the Greater Washington Area that is dedicated to leveling the playing field. Through policy advocacy, educational opportunities, and support for programs that open possibilities to those who would not otherwise have them, Open Horizon seeks to increase equity, expand opportunity, and develop leadership skills. Their vision is of a world where an open horizon is available to all, where access to justice, education and economic opportunity are within reach.