Fellowship Posting | Policy and Legal Fellowship

Policy and Legal Fellowship

Location: Washington, DC
Salary:  Unpaid

Polaris Project is a leading international organization combating human trafficking and modern-day slavery. Based in the United States and Japan, we bring together community members, survivors, and professionals to fight trafficking and slavery in the spirit of a modern-day Underground Railroad. Polaris Project uses a comprehensive strategy: empowering individual survivors of trafficking while also creating long-term social change.

Position Description:

The Policy and Legal Fellows will work with our four-person Policy and Legal Department, assisting with advocacy and policy development for stronger comprehensive state and federal laws on human trafficking.  Responsibilities include:  conducting legal and statutory research,  monitoring pending legislation, preparing legislative outreach materials, including action alerts, advocate and legislator briefs, communicating and providing assistance to legislators and other policy makers, providing technical assistance during the bill drafting process, and helping to build and assist coalitions in support of legislation.  Responsibilities may also include direct lobbying,  outreach and the preparation of training materials for law enforcement and others.
There may also be small opportunities for Fellows with foreign language skills to assist with the provision of legal services to Polaris Project clients who are survivors of human trafficking.  There is currently a need for Korean-speaking translation assistance.

Requirements:

  • Experience in public policy and advocacy is a strong plus;
  • Experience researching and tracking state and federal legislation;
  • Ability to comprehend and summarize state statutes;
  • Familiarity with federal and state legislative systems;
  • Strong commitment to human trafficking issues;
  • Strong interpersonal skills;
  • Strong writing skills;
  • Reliability and organizational skills

While all qualified applicants are encouraged, those with a policy background, or who are students of law or government affairs or will be given some preference for this Fellowship position.  Attorneys and law students will be given the title Senior Legal and Policy Fellow.  Others with substantial policy experience or training will be given the title Senior Policy Fellow.

How to Apply:

All application materials should be sent electronically as attachments to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Please specify your top three preferred fellowship positions in your email and cover letter.

Materials should include a custom cover letter, resume, analytical writing sample and three references complete with contact information. Please see the fellowship FAQ page for more information and check the timetable of important dates.  Early applications are advised.

Polaris Project | P.O. Box 53315 Washington, DC 20009 | Tel: 202-745-1001 | Fax: 202-745-1119 | Contact Us