General Program Information
Immigrant Justice Corps (IJC) is the country’s first dedicated immigration fellowship program. IJC recruits the nation’s most talented law graduates and connects them with premier legal service institutions, to reduce the justice gap for immigrant families.
We are now recruiting for our twelfth class of Justice Fellows who will join the program in the fall of 2025.
Please note: If you are a prospective fellow (law student or recent law graduate), please apply for the Justice Fellowship here: 2025 Justice Fellowship
Justice Fellows:
Justice Fellows provide direct legal services on complex immigration matters, including asylum, detained and non-detained removal defense, VAWA, and SIJ, T, and U-visa applications. Katzmann Justice Fellows may support a limited number (no more than 5 individuals) traditionally “straightforward” relief options (naturalization, adjustment of status, TPS, DACA, etc.), if the individual applying has a complicating factor such as mental health considerations, contact with law enforcement, etc.
Organization-Fellow Matching Process:
Once we have selected finalists for Fellow positions and Host Organizations, we will engage in a matching process – giving finalist Fellow applicants and Host Organization applicants information about each other and asking them to give rankings of A, B, or C based on whether the Fellow/Host would rank the other as a top choice, a good choice, or a less desirable choice. We will also ask for overall rank-choice preference order. IJC will then make an offer to the Fellow finalist and host organization together, i.e. Jane Doe will go to Non-Profit X. The Fellow finalist and the prospective Host Organization will then have one week to tell IJC whether they accept the match or not. If either the Fellow finalist or the Host Organization finalist declines the match, there is no guarantee that another offer with a different Fellow/Host will be extended.
We believe that this matching process results in: (1) Host Organizations and Justice Fellows knowing their placement earlier in the year; (2) Host Organization finalists and Fellow finalists being able to speak with each other before making a final decision; (3) Fellow applicants being able to ask questions of current and prior Fellows about practice areas, supervision, and benefits before making a decision.
Fellow Selection Timeline:
In late October, IJC will convene a Selection Committee to review Justice Fellowship applications. The Selection Committee is an integral part of the selection process and ensures IJC’s high standards of Fellow selection. IJC will interview Justice Fellow candidates throughout November. Justice Fellow and Host Organization finalists will engage in the matching process in late-December and IJC will extend offers to Fellows and Host Organizations by the end of January 2025.
All new Fellows will join their Host Organization’s payroll on or before August 31, 2025 and commence work by October 2025 following an intensive IJC-led 3 ½ to 4-week training.
Terms of Placement
Immigrant Justice Corps (IJC) will place Justice Fellows with host organizations that have an established immigration legal services practice. Justice Fellows must provide direct legal services on complex immigration matters, including, for example, asylum, detained and non-detained removal defense, VAWA, SIJ, T, U visa applications. Please only submit this application if your organization consents to the terms of placement and satisfies all Host Organization requirements set forth below:
Immigrant Justice Corps (IJC) will place Justice Fellows with host organizations that have an established immigration legal services practice. Justice Fellows must provide direct legal services on complex immigration matters, including, for example, asylum, removal defense, VAWA, SIJ, T, U visa applications.
Justice Fellows will be employees of their Host Organizations and Host Organizations will be responsible for all direct supervision of the Fellows. The individuals that the Fellows serve will be clients of the Host Organization, not of IJC, and remain clients of the Host Organization after the fellowship placement ends.
The intent of the Fellowship is to build capacity in the field. IJC strongly encourages the continued employment of Fellows after completion of the Fellowship if the experience is mutually satisfactory. Host Organizations will receive $78,125 per year per Justice Fellow. These funds are to be used to compensate the Fellows at an annual salary of not less than $62,500, and to reimburse the Host Organizations for fringe at a flat rate of 25 percent. If the Host Organization's policy is to pay first and second year attorneys more than $62,500 annually, the Host Organization shall pay the higher amount to the Fellow. Host Organizations will be reimbursed on a quarterly basis, with the first payment due in December.
At least 90% of the Justice Fellows’ time must be used to deliver direct legal services to low-income clients on complex immigration matters, such as asylum, detained and non-detained removal defense, VAWA, SIJS, T, U visa applications.
We do not consider routine naturalization, TPS, and adjustment cases to be complex immigration matters within the meaning of this application. Katzmann Justice Fellows may support a limited number (no more than 5 individuals) traditionally “straightforward” relief options (naturalization, adjustment of status, TPS, DACA, etc.), if the individual applying has a complicating factor such as mental health considerations, contact with law enforcement, etc.
Target caseloads for 2025 Justice Fellows are 30-35 individuals over the two-yar placement period (approximately 15-18 individuals per year). Individuals may have more than one form of relief associated with their claims. We define enrolled individuals as those for whom the Fellow is primarily responsible for their cases and a representation agreement has been executed. Representation agreements may have been executed prior to the Fellow onboarding at your organization, but you may not enroll individuals towards IJC data reporting if they are also being included/reported on any other grants and/or contracts. We strongly encourage organizations to provide Fellows varied case types and exposure to every stage of complex representation.
Justice Fellows will be placed at Host Organizations through a matching process that will weigh the preferences of the Fellows and Host Organizations and will account for programmatic needs. IJC will make the final determination regarding placements as outlined above.
Host Organizations must provide their Fellows with health insurance and the full bundle of benefits provided to all entry-level attorneys at the Host Organization. Health insurance must be provided for the entire 24 months of the Fellowship. For any month in which health insurance cannot be provided, IJC will deduct the cost of alternative coverage from the quarterly reimbursement.
IJC also requires that Justice Fellows who receive the minimum base salary ($62,500 for 2025 Justice Fellows) do not contribute towards their monthly health insurance premium as a single person. If a Host Organization generally requires an employee to contribute monthly to his or her own health insurance coverage, IJC will require the Host Organization to increase the Justice Fellow’s salary out of the fringe payment we pay to the Host Organization.
Justice Fellows should be on payroll as of 8/31/25 to have benefits begin as of 9/1/25. For those host organizations who have a waiting period before benefits begin (30, 60, 90 days), the fellows should be directed to www.healthcare.gov for benefits coverage. IJC will reimburse them up to $500/month for the premium coverage until their benefits begin with the host organization, and the amount will be deducted from the quarterly reimbursements to the host organization.
Host Organizations must also ensure that all Fellows are covered by the organization’s malpractice insurance.
All Justice Fellows are expected to take a bar exam no later than Summer 2025. If a Justice Fellow learns that he or she has not passed the bar exam, we require the Host Organization to give the Fellow a full month of paid leave to prepare for the February 2026 bar exam. We require this time off to be separate and in addition to any other paid vacation the Fellow is eligible for from the organization. IJC will work with the Host Organization to adjust target client enrollment numbers, if necessary, to account for the reduction in work time. If any Justice Fellow is removed from the Host Organization's payroll for a week or more, IJC must be notified with at least 10 days advance notice of the Fellow's removal from payroll.
Justice Fellows will be placed at Host Organizations for two years.
Fellows participate in a 3 ½ to 4week mandatory IJC Fall Training program run at the commencement of the Fellowship.
Ongoing, IJC-led professional development activities take place no more often than twice a month for the duration of the Fellowship and are also required engagements for Fellows. IJC delivers this programming specifically for Fellows, and Host Organizations must permit their Fellows to participate. IJC may ask Fellows to participate in occasional public speaking or recruiting engagements, as well as professional development opportunities that may arise. IJC may also require Fellows to participate in 2-3, daylong “mini-conferences” throughout each year.
Host Organizations will be responsible for providing Fellows with a dedicated workspace, computer, phone, IT support, and all relevant office supplies. Our expectation is that the Fellow will have the resources that any attorney at the organization receives.
Host Organizations will be responsible for reporting requirements on the Fellows' and organization's work.
2025 Katzmann Host Organization Application - Justice Fellowship
General Program Information
Immigrant Justice Corps (IJC) is the country’s first dedicated immigration fellowship program. IJC recruits the nation’s most talented law graduates and connects them with premier legal service institutions, to reduce the justice gap for immigrant families.
We are now recruiting for our twelfth class of Justice Fellows who will join the program in the fall of 2025.
Please note: If you are a prospective fellow (law student or recent law graduate), please apply for the Justice Fellowship here: 2025 Justice Fellowship
Justice Fellows:
Justice Fellows provide direct legal services on complex immigration matters, including asylum, detained and non-detained removal defense, VAWA, and SIJ, T, and U-visa applications. Katzmann Justice Fellows may support a limited number (no more than 5 individuals) traditionally “straightforward” relief options (naturalization, adjustment of status, TPS, DACA, etc.), if the individual applying has a complicating factor such as mental health considerations, contact with law enforcement, etc.
Organization-Fellow Matching Process:
Once we have selected finalists for Fellow positions and Host Organizations, we will engage in a matching process – giving finalist Fellow applicants and Host Organization applicants information about each other and asking them to give rankings of A, B, or C based on whether the Fellow/Host would rank the other as a top choice, a good choice, or a less desirable choice. We will also ask for overall rank-choice preference order. IJC will then make an offer to the Fellow finalist and host organization together, i.e. Jane Doe will go to Non-Profit X. The Fellow finalist and the prospective Host Organization will then have one week to tell IJC whether they accept the match or not. If either the Fellow finalist or the Host Organization finalist declines the match, there is no guarantee that another offer with a different Fellow/Host will be extended.
We believe that this matching process results in: (1) Host Organizations and Justice Fellows knowing their placement earlier in the year; (2) Host Organization finalists and Fellow finalists being able to speak with each other before making a final decision; (3) Fellow applicants being able to ask questions of current and prior Fellows about practice areas, supervision, and benefits before making a decision.
Fellow Selection Timeline:
In late October, IJC will convene a Selection Committee to review Justice Fellowship applications. The Selection Committee is an integral part of the selection process and ensures IJC’s high standards of Fellow selection. IJC will interview Justice Fellow candidates throughout November. Justice Fellow and Host Organization finalists will engage in the matching process in late-December and IJC will extend offers to Fellows and Host Organizations by the end of January 2025.
All new Fellows will join their Host Organization’s payroll on or before August 31, 2025 and commence work by October 2025 following an intensive IJC-led 3 ½ to 4-week training.
Terms of Placement
Immigrant Justice Corps (IJC) will place Justice Fellows with host organizations that have an established immigration legal services practice. Justice Fellows must provide direct legal services on complex immigration matters, including, for example, asylum, detained and non-detained removal defense, VAWA, SIJ, T, U visa applications. Please only submit this application if your organization consents to the terms of placement and satisfies all Host Organization requirements set forth below:
Immigrant Justice Corps (IJC) will place Justice Fellows with host organizations that have an established immigration legal services practice. Justice Fellows must provide direct legal services on complex immigration matters, including, for example, asylum, removal defense, VAWA, SIJ, T, U visa applications.
Justice Fellows will be employees of their Host Organizations and Host Organizations will be responsible for all direct supervision of the Fellows. The individuals that the Fellows serve will be clients of the Host Organization, not of IJC, and remain clients of the Host Organization after the fellowship placement ends.
The intent of the Fellowship is to build capacity in the field. IJC strongly encourages the continued employment of Fellows after completion of the Fellowship if the experience is mutually satisfactory. Host Organizations will receive $78,125 per year per Justice Fellow. These funds are to be used to compensate the Fellows at an annual salary of not less than $62,500, and to reimburse the Host Organizations for fringe at a flat rate of 25 percent. If the Host Organization's policy is to pay first and second year attorneys more than $62,500 annually, the Host Organization shall pay the higher amount to the Fellow. Host Organizations will be reimbursed on a quarterly basis, with the first payment due in December.
At least 90% of the Justice Fellows’ time must be used to deliver direct legal services to low-income clients on complex immigration matters, such as asylum, detained and non-detained removal defense, VAWA, SIJS, T, U visa applications.
We do not consider routine naturalization, TPS, and adjustment cases to be complex immigration matters within the meaning of this application. Katzmann Justice Fellows may support a limited number (no more than 5 individuals) traditionally “straightforward” relief options (naturalization, adjustment of status, TPS, DACA, etc.), if the individual applying has a complicating factor such as mental health considerations, contact with law enforcement, etc.
Target caseloads for 2025 Justice Fellows are 30-35 individuals over the two-yar placement period (approximately 15-18 individuals per year). Individuals may have more than one form of relief associated with their claims. We define enrolled individuals as those for whom the Fellow is primarily responsible for their cases and a representation agreement has been executed. Representation agreements may have been executed prior to the Fellow onboarding at your organization, but you may not enroll individuals towards IJC data reporting if they are also being included/reported on any other grants and/or contracts. We strongly encourage organizations to provide Fellows varied case types and exposure to every stage of complex representation.
Justice Fellows will be placed at Host Organizations through a matching process that will weigh the preferences of the Fellows and Host Organizations and will account for programmatic needs. IJC will make the final determination regarding placements as outlined above.
Host Organizations must provide their Fellows with health insurance and the full bundle of benefits provided to all entry-level attorneys at the Host Organization. Health insurance must be provided for the entire 24 months of the Fellowship. For any month in which health insurance cannot be provided, IJC will deduct the cost of alternative coverage from the quarterly reimbursement.
IJC also requires that Justice Fellows who receive the minimum base salary ($62,500 for 2025 Justice Fellows) do not contribute towards their monthly health insurance premium as a single person. If a Host Organization generally requires an employee to contribute monthly to his or her own health insurance coverage, IJC will require the Host Organization to increase the Justice Fellow’s salary out of the fringe payment we pay to the Host Organization.
Justice Fellows should be on payroll as of 8/31/25 to have benefits begin as of 9/1/25. For those host organizations who have a waiting period before benefits begin (30, 60, 90 days), the fellows should be directed to www.healthcare.gov for benefits coverage. IJC will reimburse them up to $500/month for the premium coverage until their benefits begin with the host organization, and the amount will be deducted from the quarterly reimbursements to the host organization.
Host Organizations must also ensure that all Fellows are covered by the organization’s malpractice insurance.
All Justice Fellows are expected to take a bar exam no later than Summer 2025. If a Justice Fellow learns that he or she has not passed the bar exam, we require the Host Organization to give the Fellow a full month of paid leave to prepare for the February 2026 bar exam. We require this time off to be separate and in addition to any other paid vacation the Fellow is eligible for from the organization. IJC will work with the Host Organization to adjust target client enrollment numbers, if necessary, to account for the reduction in work time. If any Justice Fellow is removed from the Host Organization's payroll for a week or more, IJC must be notified with at least 10 days advance notice of the Fellow's removal from payroll.
Justice Fellows will be placed at Host Organizations for two years.
Fellows participate in a 3 ½ to 4week mandatory IJC Fall Training program run at the commencement of the Fellowship.
Ongoing, IJC-led professional development activities take place no more often than twice a month for the duration of the Fellowship and are also required engagements for Fellows. IJC delivers this programming specifically for Fellows, and Host Organizations must permit their Fellows to participate. IJC may ask Fellows to participate in occasional public speaking or recruiting engagements, as well as professional development opportunities that may arise. IJC may also require Fellows to participate in 2-3, daylong “mini-conferences” throughout each year.
Host Organizations will be responsible for providing Fellows with a dedicated workspace, computer, phone, IT support, and all relevant office supplies. Our expectation is that the Fellow will have the resources that any attorney at the organization receives.
Host Organizations will be responsible for reporting requirements on the Fellows' and organization's work.