Housing Justice Program

The Equal Justice Works Housing Justice Program is currently mobilizing a cohort of Fellows, lawyers, and organizers, to serve low-income individuals residing in Virginia, South Carolina, and Maryland who are currently, or at risk of, experiencing housing instability and involuntary displacement, particularly due to eviction. 

The Housing Justice Program is the only Equal Justice Works Fellowship program that employs both lawyers and organizers. Fellows are hosted at legal aid and grassroots organizations in areas where evictions and housing instability have reached epidemic proportions. During a two-year term, Fellows work collaboratively to provide legal advice, referrals, and full representation for tenants in eviction proceedings; engage in outreach and education activities; and work with community partners to address systematic barriers that contribute to housing instability. 

In addition to the training and mentorship that Fellows receive from their host organization, the Housing Justice Program provides a range of wraparound trainings and technical assistance throughout the Fellowship term. These include, but are not limited to: 

• Kick-off training event to build expertise and community among Fellows 
• Equal Justice Works annual three-day Leadership Development Training which is attended by ~300 current Fellows each year
• Regular substantive and skills-based webinars, conferences, and networking opportunities throughout the Fellowship
• Learning event at the conclusion of the program 

Fellows will also have opportunities to learn from successful collaborative legal models in other states that are working to provide counsel for individuals facing eviction and reducing systemic barriers. 

The application is open now! Currently, available Fellowship opportunities are listed below under the hiring host organization—all candidates must apply directly to the host organization of their choice. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis, with a start date in February 2023. 

Qualifications are set by each host organization but typically include: 

• Licensed to practice law, if applying for a legal Fellowship. Organizer Fellows are NOT required to be lawyers.
• Commitment to social justice 
• Excellent writing, communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills 
• Strong oral and negotiation skills, and the ability to work as a team member 
• Prior experience in managing independent projects or assignments

The Housing Justice Program is made possible thanks to the generosity of The JPB Foundation, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Abell Foundation, and Maryland Legal Services Corporation. 

To join our mailing list and receive updates on Fellowship opportunities in the Housing Justice Program please email [email protected].