McCarter & English Pro Bono Fellowship for the City of Newark

3.19.2026 Lawyers Newark

McCarter & English invites applications for the McCarter & English Pro Bono Fellowship for the City of Newark, New Jersey. The Fellowship is a unique opportunity for an attorney to dedicate their time on providing legal services for the benefit of the Newark community. The Fellow is a key member of the Firm’s thriving pro bono program in Newark, reporting to the Pro Bono Partner and the Newark Office Managing Partner and working closely with partners throughout the Firm. The salary for this position is $95,000 annually. Candidates who receive an offer of employment will be processed through a background check which will be an individualized assessment based on the applicant’s or employee’s specific record and the duties and requirements of the specific job.

The Fellowship focuses on the rights and unmet legal needs of low-income individuals and families residing in Newark, with a particular emphasis on housing. While the position is primarily litigation focused, there are opportunities for the Fellow to develop and participate in a variety of broad-based advocacy strategies to drive public policy and increase services to the people and communities this position is intended to serve. Past Fellows have represented pro bono clients at hearings, trials, immigration interviews, and settlement negotiations; conducted know-your-rights presentations and trainings for community members; served as amicus counsel in appellate proceedings; conducted research to inform systemic reform advocacy; and engaged in public speaking and community education.

This a two-year full-time attorney position, with the next term commencing in October 2026 and running through September 2028. The Fellow receives a competitive public interest salary with the benefits that are available to Firm associates. The Fellow is fully integrated into Firm life, including trainings, social interactions, and the full range of professional development opportunities available to associates.

Qualifications

Candidates must demonstrate a strong commitment to public interest law and practice. Judicial clerkships and fluency in Spanish or other languages commonly spoken in Newark are preferred. Candidates should also demonstrate excellent research, writing, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to convey complex legal concepts to a non-lawyer audience. The ideal candidate will have a strong connection and commitment to the City of Newark. Admission to the New Jersey bar is required within six months.

Application

If you have relevant experience, we would like you to consider joining our team. Please submit all of the following materials to Christine Lydon, Director of Human Resources, at [email protected] no later than April 9, 2026.

• Resume (no more than two pages);
• Contact information for three professional references; and
• Statement of Interest (1,500 words or less, unedited by any other person).

Benefits (if FTE Requirements met):

• Firm-Paid: Basic life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance and short-term (ST) and long-term (LT) disability benefits.
• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical/prescription drug coverage (the Firm pays a share of the cost), including a high-deductible health plan with an annual Firm health savings account (HSA) contribution.
• Employee-Paid Voluntary Benefits: Dental and vision coverage, supplemental health plans (accident, cancer and critical illness), flexible spending accounts, optional life and AD&D insurance (supplemental employee, spouse and child) and supplemental STD coverage.
• Retirement: 401(k) plan offering three types of contributions: pre-tax, Roth and after-tax contributions.
• Time Off: Paid Time Off (PTO), paid holidays, and leaves of absence to support work-life balance (e.g. parental leave)

Additional Benefits:

• Free and confidential employee assistance program (EAP) and behavioral health services program
• Firm-paid back-up child/elder care, academic support and pet care program
• Tax-advantaged college savings 529 Plan
• Employee discounts through Working Advantage

Other Compensation:

• Eligibility for discretionary bonus.

McCarter & English, LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer