The Institute for Justice’s McGrath Legislative Fellowship will start December 1, 2026 and end April 30, 2027. The fellowship aligns with state legislative sessions and provides the opportunity for a talented law student to work directly with IJ’s legislative team in policy advocacy nationwide. The fellow will engage in every stage of the legislative process with IJ attorneys and help shepherd legislation from introduction to enactment across multiple states.
The fellow will focus on a portfolio of up to ten IJ bills in IJ’s issue areas, including expanding economic liberty, protecting private property rights, and working to end government abuse in key areas, such as repealing occupational licensing laws, regulating automated license plate readers to protect privacy, and expanding cottage food laws. The fellow will help IJ’s legislative team research and draft bills; develop legislative strategies; draft supporting materials such as one-pagers, testimony, and op-eds; build grassroots support for reform, including identifying and meeting with people who are impacted by legislation; and lobby state policymakers.
The ideal candidate will be a 2L or 3L with advanced legal writing and analytical skills, including the ability to distill complex information into simple and compelling terms. The candidate must also have a strong work ethic, excellent communication skills and be passionate about IJ’s mission.
Preferred qualifications include experience working in a state legislature, lobbying for legislative reform, and building grassroots support for legislation.
The fellow may be based at IJ’s headquarters in Arlington, Virginia; one of IJ’s state offices in Austin, Phoenix, Seattle, or Miami; or the IJ Clinic at the University of Chicago. This is a part-time, temporary position with an anticipated schedule of 10–12 hours per week and flexibility to accommodate the fellow’s school schedule. Fellows are paid $17.50 per hour on a semi-monthly basis, subject to applicable federal and state taxes. This fellowship is not eligible for benefits and may include opportunities for occasional travel.
To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter, and writing sample. Applications should be submitted no later than November 9, 2026.
Skills Required
- Current 2L or 3L law student
- Advanced legal writing and analytical skills
- Ability to distill complex information into simple and compelling terms
- Strong work ethic
- Excellent communication skills
- Passion for the Institute for Justice's mission
- Experience working in a state legislature
- Experience lobbying for legislative reform
- Experience building grassroots support for legislation
What We Do
The Institute for Justice is a nonprofit, public interest law firm dedicated to ending government abuses of power and securing constitutional rights for all Americans.
