Legal and Policy 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 local and national advocacy for stronger comprehensive state and federal laws and policies on human trafficking.  Responsibilities include conducting legal research and monitoring legislation, preparing general policy outreach materials, communicating and providing assistance to state legislators and other policy makers, providing technical assistance during the bill drafting process, and helping build and assist coalitions in support of legislation.  Responsibilities may also include assisting with outreach to 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; and
•    Reliablility and organizational skills.

While all qualified applicants are encouraged, those with a policy background as well as attorneys, and law students 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.