Workers Defense Project

Austin, Dallas, or Houston, TX

This is the 2025 fellowship description for this mentor organization.

Workers Defense Project (WDP) is a member-lead organization building power among Latine immigrant workers in Texas. Through organizing, popular education, and legal advocacy, we help workers exercise their own power to raise pay and safety standards, defend their rights, and protect their dignity at work. WDP is seeking a law fellow who is interested in serving immigrant workers, educating the community, and practicing employment and labor law.

The fellow will assist our legal team in the development of employment and labor cases on behalf of WDP members, conduct legal research for worker and immigrant justice campaigns, and support in training members on their rights and how to enforce them. The fellow’s duties will include communicating with clients and screening potential clients, assisting workers in filing and pursuing claims with administrative agencies, and strategizing with staff and members on using legal, policy, and organizing tools to achieve justice.

The fellow will be supervised by WDP staff attorneys and will likely collaborate with Organizing and Policy staff across the state. This is a hybrid position based out of Austin, Dallas, or Houston TX: WDP conducts its legal and organizing work in person, over the phone, and on virtual platforms. Dates are flexible; however, the fellow must
commit to working between 10 and 12 weeks (30-40 hours/week).

Qualifications:

Completed at least first year of law school;
Strong proficiency in both writing and speaking in Spanish (preferred);
Commitment to racial, economic, and social justice;
Interest in using the law creatively in the fight for systemic change;
Ability to work and communicate well with diverse groups of people; and
Availability to work some evenings, as needed.

WDP is an equal opportunity employer and actively encourages people of color, immigrants, women, and members of the LGBTQIA community to apply.

$7,000 stipend for the 10 week fellowship.

Address cover letter to:

Sean Goldhammer
Director of Employment Legal Services
Workers Defense Project
5604 Manor Road
Austin, TX 78723