Position Summary

The Immigration Law Clinic (ILC) at WashU School of Law seeks a Legal Fellow for up to a two-year term, beginning on or about July 2025 in a full-time, in-person, one-year position, which may be extended for a second year. Salary commensurate with experience and competitive with fellowship positions at other top U.S. law schools. Excellent WashU benefits. The position is located in St. Louis, Missouri.

The Immigration Law Clinic’s mission is to educate tomorrow’s lawyers in cross-cultural and trauma-informed practices, to impart essential lawyering skills through hands-on practice, to empower students to become future leaders and defenders of justice, and to provide high-quality legal services to the region’s immigrant communities. The Fellow will assist in all aspects of this mission, by (1) providing direct representation and supervising student learning and work, gage in direct client representation including intake/case evaluation, case planning, client interviewing, drafting, and administrative and court appearances; (2) help supervise law student casework; and (3) assist with clinic program development and coalition building.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

Information on being a postdoc at Washington University in St. Louis can be found at https://postdoc.wustl.edu/prospective-postdocs-2/.

Under the direction of the ILC Director, the Fellow will be expected to:

Engage in direct client representation including intake/ case evaluation, case planning, client interviewing, drafting, filing, and court appearances.
Help supervise law students’ casework.
Assist with clinic program development and coalition building. If retained for a second year, the Fellow may also participate in the planning and teaching of the clinic seminar class.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications

Education:

J.D. - Juris Doctor

Certifications:

No specific certification is required for this position.

Work Experience:

Law Practice (2 Years)

Skills:

Analytical Thinking, Communication, Cross Cultural Interactions, Interpersonal Communication, Organizing, Researching, Writing

Driver's License:

A driver's license is not required for this position.

More About This Job

Required Qualifications:

J.D. degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
Admitted or eligible to practice law in Missouri (i.e., must be a member of the Missouri bar, able to become a member within 6 months of starting the position, or eligible for a Certificate to supervise students as a law teacher pursuant to Missouri Supreme Court Rule 13.06).
Two years of legal practice (law school clinic work will be considered part of practice).
Enthusiasm for working with students and encouraging their professional growth.
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including in classroom settings as well as experience working with diverse stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications:

Spanish proficiency.
Experience in immigration law (particularly asylum, family-based, and/ or removal).
Intention to practice or teach immigration law in a professional capacity.

Salary Range

Base pay is commensurate with experience.

Applicant Special Instructions

Apply online at jobs.washu.edu, JR88077. Please upload a cover letter, resume, and at least two references. For questions, email Katie Meyer at katiehmeyer@wustl.edu. Applications considered on a rolling basis; for fullest consideration, apply by April 20, 2025.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

No additional education beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Certifications:

No additional certification beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Work Experience:

No additional work experience beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Skills:

Spanish Language

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees. Benefits eligibility is subject to employment status, full-time equivalent (FTE) workload, and weekly standard hours. Please visit our website at https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/ to view a summary of benefits.

EEO/AA Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement

Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.

Washington University in St Louis

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