Open Horizon Criminal Justice Fellowship 2026-2027

The Council for Court Excellence (CCE) is now accepting applications for the 2026-27 Open Horizon Criminal Justice Fellowship. Funded in part by a generous donation from the Open Horizon Foundation, the fellowship offers a recent law school graduate the opportunity to work for one year with CCE on local criminal justice focused research, policy advocacy, and educational initiatives in Washington, D.C. This fellowship is open to individuals who have graduated with a Juris Doctor within the last two years or will graduate with a JD this academic year; it will begin on or around August 31, 2026, and end in late August 2027.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Open Horizon Fellow works closely with CCE staff, committee members, directly impacted members of the community, and other justice system stakeholders to implement research projects, policy solutions, and educational initiatives to improve the fairness and performance of D.C.’s legal systems. Projects may include advocacy and analysis around building a new D.C. jail; work to pilot test different prearrest diversion methods; policymaking around reentry employment support for returning citizens; providing policy guidance on the impacts of the federal government on D.C.’s local legal systems; and inclusive policy for those with disabilities interacting with criminal legal system. The Fellow may also support some of CCE’s work in the civil and youth justice portfolios.

Key responsibilities include:

• Conducting research, writing, and editing a variety of publications, memos, external and internal communications (~40% of the fellow’s time)
• Assisting with identifying, developing, and implementing projects, policy solutions, and educational projects, including tracking and analyzing legislation, proposed regulations, and other agency or court decision-making; and attending hearings, briefings, and other events (~30%)
• Assist with management of CCE Committees and participate in relevant coalitions (~25%)
• Administrative and other duties (~5%)

Qualifications

The Criminal Justice Fellowship is open to individuals who have graduated with a Juris Doctor within the last two (2) years or who will graduate with a JD during the current academic year, with preference given to those from historically underrepresented groups in the legal professions, with lived justice system experience, and/or who grew up in Washington, D.C.

A successful candidate will be self-motivated with demonstrated time management and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines. They will have good oral and written communication skills, including the ability to explain law, data, and policy for different audiences verbally and in writing. They will have good interpersonal skills, able to engage professionally with diverse constituencies, including lawyers, judges, government officials, people directly affected by the legal system, and others. They will have a "team player" mindset and be ready and willing to pitch in with a wide array of projects across the organization. Finally, they will have a commitment to contributing to an inclusive, respectful working environment and a willingness to continue to learn about diversity, equity, and inclusion principles.

CCE follows a hybrid work model which requires some in person work at the office or attending events, so successful candidates are expected to live in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

Additional Criteria for Employment

Please note that if candidates do not have or cannot demonstrate the required skills, their applications will not be considered.

• Required Criteria
  • Some experience with qualitative or quantitative data collection, primary social science or legal research, or data analysis and interpretation.
  • Some experience explaining legal issues, data, or policy clearly for different (including non-legal) audiences verbally and/or in writing.
  • Some experience as a volunteer, intern/extern, clinic student, or employee on efforts related to public policy, research, legal advocacy, or community legal education.
  • Excellent computer skills, including experience working with the Microsoft Office suite, cloud-based file management systems (e.g., Microsoft SharePoint), project management systems (e.g., Asana), and video and audio conferencing (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams).
  • Commitment to and interest in the mission of the Council for Court Excellence.
  • Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.
• Preferred Criteria
  • Some knowledge of or experience with the adult criminal legal system in the District of Columbia is strongly preferred.
  • Experience communicating with and advocating to state or local government staff, elected or appointed officials, and/or judicial officers; some knowledge of the operations of D.C. Council, executive agencies, and/or the courts.
  • Some experience with community education, public engagement, and/or meeting facilitation with diverse participants.

Additional Information

Salary and Benefits

$63,500 annually, plus benefits including employer-paid individual health insurance, retirement account with a 4% employer match after six months, generous annual and wellness leave, paid Bar dues, professional development funding, and flexible scheduling. CCE observes all D.C. government holidays, plus gives employees the day after Thanksgiving (and typically the week between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day) off. CCE also supports individual professional development and training opportunities. The Fellow may also be eligible for their school’s loan repayment assistance program.

To Apply

Please submit your application at https://careers.smartrecruiters.com/CouncilForCourtExcellence. The priority deadline for receiving applications is February 13, though the position will remain open until filled. Note that the application site will only allow you to submit one (1) document. Please use the “Resume” field to submit a single PDF that includes:

1. a cover letter specifically noting your experience as a member of a historically underrepresented group in the legal professions, any lived justice system experience, and/or if you grew up in Washington, D.C. (if relevant),
2. your resume,
3. your unofficial law school transcript, and
4. a writing sample that is NOT a legal brief (no more than 5 pages, excerpts are fine). You can use the website ILovePDF.com to create and merge PDFs if needed.

Please note that if these instructions are not followed, an applicant’s materials will not be reviewed.

The interview process will include a short phone screening, a first round interview (~45m) via Zoom, and a final interview (~90m) either in person or via Zoom.

CCE depends on and values a diverse staff and diverse perspectives to carry out its mission. People with lived experience within the justice system are strongly encouraged to apply. CCE is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, or current employment status.