Careers at Discovering Justice

Spring 2023 Paid Fellowship Program

About Discovering Justice

Who We Are
For over two decades, Discovering Justice’s programs have provided opportunities for civic education and engagement for students across the Commonwealth. The organization works in partnership with school systems, judges, nonprofits, and the legal community to examine the workings of the justice system, explore the ideals of justice, and help young people prepare to engage in our democracy.

This approach is rooted in the founding vision of Boston’s John Joseph Moakley U.S. Courthouse, designed as a vibrant center for civic education and community activity. Our programs facilitate the development of core civic knowledge, skills and dispositions needed for students to engage meaningfully in our democracy, such as perspective-taking, critical thinking, open discourse, empathy, and advocacy. 

In addition to welcoming the community into the Courthouse for tours, field trips, and public events, Discovering Justice has extended its work into schools across Massachusetts to provide civic education opportunities, including K-5 curricula, Mock Trial and Appeal Programs for middle school students, and new programs, such as the Topics Programs for middle and high school students.

What We Believe

• The justice system can and should work for everyone.

• Constructive and critical discourse builds community and a strong democracy.

• Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core democratic values.

• Civic education and engagement strengthen our democracy.

• In the power of the next generation to sustain our democracy.

How We Work

• We have a deep belief and relentless focus on achieving our mission and our constituent centered outcomes.

• We strive for excellence and hold ourselves responsible and accountable to high standards and the team..

• We value clear communications and transparent decision-making processes.

• We thoughtfully steward our resources.

About the Fellowship

Who You Are

• You have a passion for civic education and the need to protect and promote our democracy.

• You can commit to work 40 hours a week with a dynamic and energetic staff. (At least 25 hours for a Part-Time Fellowship)

• You have excellent written and oral communications skills.

• You love to work with a team and want to learn new skills.

• You will take this experience back to your campus or to your next job.

What You Will Do

Fellows work directly with a Discovering Justice staff person to help develop and/or run a program and/or build the organization’s operational capacity. During the semester-long program, Fellows will learn a variety of skills including how to deliver civic education programming, and how to run and manage programs for a nonprofit organization.

Discovering Justice is a cohort of hardworking and passionate people excited to welcome new people and ideas. The organization’s staff and volunteers provide an open and welcoming environment, which provides opportunities for Fellows to take on responsibilities and learn core nonprofit skills to help in their careers.

This Fellowship is a full-time hybrid/in person opportunity. Fellows will work two days a week in person at the Moakley Courthouse in Boston, and three days remotely. Limited part-time opportunities are available. Please list in your cover letter or email application if you would like to be considered for a part-time Fellowship.

Available Fellowships

Mock Appeal Program Fellowship — Spring 2023

The Fellow will work with the Mock Appeal Program Manager to run the organization’s signature program that provides opportunities for more than 350 middle school students to dive deeper into the working of the nation’s political and judicial systems. During Mock Appeal, teams of students partner with volunteer attorneys to dive into a 4th Amendment Search and Seizure case about student’s rights in a public school. Students engage in legal analysis as they develop arguments and prepare to make their case in front of a panel of federal and state judges. All throughout the program, students will be analyzing our justice system with a critical lens. The Fellow will provide support to legal mentors and students, communicate directly with partners, interview volunteers in order to create a newsletter, and coordinate the culminating Mock Appeal events to be held in Courthouses across the Commonwealth.

Logistics

The Fellowship will run for 15 weeks through the end of June. It is a full-time hybrid remote/in person opportunity. Fellows will work 2 days a week in person at the Moakley Courthouse in Boston, and 2-3 days remotely. Limited part time opportunities are available. Please list in your cover letter or email application whether you would like to be considered for a part time or full time fellowship.

Fellows will receive a stipend of $4,000 for their term (a proportionate stipend with part time Fellowships). Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and two references.

Send your cover letter and resume by February 24th to Malia Brooks at careers@discoveringjustice.org.

Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Women, and LGBTQ+ people are strongly encouraged to apply.