Externally-funded Project-based Fellowships

Centro de los Derechos del Migrante, Inc. (CDM) seeks applicants to be sponsored for post-law school, externally-funded, legal fellowships to be based out of our Mexico City or Baltimore offices. Legal fellows join a dynamic binational team of advocates that promote the labor rights of low-wage migrant workers using traditional legal and policy tools alongside community education and empowerment. We are especially interested in supporting fellowship applications that use a mix of legal and community-based tools to advance migrant justice. One recent fellow, for example, was funded to use litigation, administrative advocacy and know-your-rights training in migrant-worker communities to combat illegal recruitment fees. CDM has hosted fellows funded by Skadden, Justice Catalyst, Fulbright, and academic institutions; we are also open to considering sponsorship of Equal Justice Works applications.

Responsibilities:

In addition to their work on a fellowship project, fellows’ responsibilities may include:

  • Representing workers in strategic federal litigation and administrative cases;
  • Engaging with clients and potential clients, evaluating cases for legal representation, and providing legal advice and referrals;
  • Participating in coalition meetings and meeting with external partners and other worker advocates;
  • Analyzing legislation and creating related materials for advocates or worker audiences;
  • Participating in outreach and conducting “know-your-rights” workshops for migrant workers in their home communities;
  • Collaborating with partner organizations in Mexico and the U.S.; and
  • Training and mentoring interns.

Qualifications:

You must:

  • Be a 2025 law school graduate or outgoing judicial law clerk;
  • Have a strong interest in working alongside low-wage migrant workers to advance their rights and improve working conditions;
  • Have demonstrated interest in labor and employment or immigration law, through lived experience, prior internships, volunteer activities or employment, and/or relevant coursework;
  • Be an excellent communicator, with strong research and writing skills;
  • Thrive in a collaborative environment and be able to manage competing priorities;
  • Embrace multiple modes of advocacy to advance social justice; and
  • Speak, read, and write English and Spanish with the proficiency necessary to communicate with CDM’s multilingual staff and primarily Spanish-speaking clients.

To apply:

Our 2024 application deadline is July 15, 2024. To express interest in applying for fellowship sponsorship with CDM, please email info@cdmigrante.org with a letter of interest, resume or CV, and writing sample (10 pages or fewer). Applications should be sent with the subject line: Legal Fellowship Application.

CDM is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from people with diverse backgrounds. CDM does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin or ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital/family status.

Elizabeth Mauldin Memorial Advocate for Migrant Women- EMMA

We are not currently accepting applications for our EMMA Fellowship. Please keep an eye on this page to stay informed of any future openings.

The fellow will develop and lead policy and advocacy campaigns to ensure that the voices and experiences of migrant worker women are reflected in the policies that impact them.

Desired Qualifications

  • Recent JD, public policy or related degree;
  • Proficient in English and Spanish;
  • Strong communication, analytical, research and writing skills;
  • Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds;
  • Experience or interest in labor/employment or immigration law, including relevant coursework, internships, and/or employment.
  • Experience or interest in women’s rights, anti-discrimination law, including relevant coursework, internships, and/or employment.

CDM is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from people with diverse backgrounds and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, age, disability, gender identity or sexual orientation.