As a Client Advocate Fellow, you'll serve as a full-time, in-person, entry-level employee within a public defender office for up to two years. Opportunities for employment beyond the fellowship's duration are at the discretion of the public defender's office. Advocates play a pivotal role in providing client-led direct service to people facing criminal charges. Each day presents new challenges and opportunities, from direct engagement with clients to collaborative efforts with community partners.

As a Client Advocate you will:

• Build relationships with and interview clients to understand their challenges and priorities, as well as identify potential consequences of an arrest.
• Provide clients with streamlined access to wraparound services, including but not limited to housing, employment, social and medical benefits, and treatment needs.
• Advocate for clients by engaging with service providers, landlords, employers, prosecutors, judges, and others, conveying clients' stories and needs in a compelling way that gets results.
• Coordinate with legal and social service teams to support to facilitate collaboration and communication on client cases.
• Partner with attorneys to compose persuasive narrative reports, support arguments, and provide relevant information and records.
• Maintain detailed knowledge of court processes and requirements.
• Collect and report data about work and your achievements.
• Actively participate in the Partners for Justice Professional Fellowship program.

Partners for Justice is committed to equity and inclusion in our Advocate selection process. We urge people who have been impacted by the criminal legal system or who share lived experiences with public defender clients to apply for PFJ placements.

As a potential Client Advocate, you will need:

• A demonstrated interest in public service or social justice.
• Strong relationship management skills or customer support experience.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfort in working with minimal oversight and the ability to independently structure your own work.
• Past work or volunteer experience within a public defender office, a legal office serving low-income people, or in social service delivery is preferred.
• Reliable transportation.
• Professional-level Spanish language skills are highly valued. Spanish-speaking Advocates in some offices are eligible for a pay increase.

We have offices across the United States. You can learn more about our locations here.

Placement as a Client Advocate in any particular location is based on need and availability.

You can apply to become a Client Advocate here.

If we aren't currently accepting applications, you can sign up to receive information here.

The application consists of a resume and several short answer questions (3-6 sentences). Short answer responses will be used to assess your writing ability in addition to the substance of your responses. Please be sure to fully complete these questions. While an unofficial transcript is optional, it is encouraged if applicable. The PFJ selection process consists of two stages: a pre-recorded first-round interview and a virtual final interview with a PFJ hiring manager.

If you have questions, you can reach out to our team at apply@partnersforjustice.org.