Fellowships

Housing and the criminal legal system work in tandem to create interlocking systems of injustice. When someone has unstable housing, they are more likely to end up in the criminal legal system. And when they end up in the criminal legal system, they have a harder time finding stable housing. This revolving door is part of a system that dehumanizes people in our city and across our state. 

We are here to change that. Impact for Equity works to remove barriers and promote authentic housing choices across the Chicago region, and to fight for equitable outcomes for those impacted by the criminal legal system in Illinois — and our fellowship programs are a core part of how we do it. 

For several decades, Impact for Equity has hosted fellows who work individually and collaboratively, making critical contributions to our advocacy for civil rights and justice. Fellows are fully integrated into our staff, working alongside our attorneys and policy analysts within one of our two program areas — Criminal Legal System or Housing — on projects that may include: 

• Identifying and analyzing legal and policy issues
• Analyzing data 
• Writing memoranda, briefs, policy papers, and educational materials 
• Facilitating meetings and events 
• Developing legal and policy strategies 
• Collaborating with staff, coalition partners, community members, and government stakeholders to advance systemic legal and policy change 

At a minimum, all applicants should possess: 

• A demonstrated commitment to civil rights and social justice 
• Strong research and writing abilities, along with court advocacy skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team and in partnership with community stakeholders 
• Self-motivation and comfort managing multiple projects or assignments at once 
• Personal or professional experience with, or another demonstrated commitment to, the communities we serve (we encourage applicants to share relevant experience in their cover letter) 
• An Illinois law license, the ability to become licensed in Illinois, or completion of law school by the time the fellowship begins 
• An ability to commute to our office in downtown Chicago at least two days a week, as our office operates on a hybrid schedule 

Impact for Equity hires a recent law or policy school (graduate level) graduate each year to become a Polikoff-Gautreaux Fellow for a two-year term beginning the following fall after selection. Fellows must be within 5 years of graduation at Fellowship start. Polikoff-Gautreaux fellows possess a commitment to racial and social justice, creativity, and leadership ability, and they work both independently and within a team on multiple projects of varying complexity.

Impact for Equity is currently accepting applications for Polikoff-Gautreaux Fellowships from October 1, 2026 to November 30, 2026.

To apply, submit the following to with “Polikoff-Gautreaux Fellowship Application” in the subject line: 

• Your resume and a cover letter highlighting your interest and experience in civil rights and social justice, your interest in a particular program area and why, and any ideas for a fellowship proposal (a fully developed proposal isn’t necessary — we’ll help you build it) 

• A brief legal or policy writing sample (2–4 pages) 

• Your law or policy school transcript 

• Contact information for two professional references 

Impact for Equity may sponsor more than one individual for a given opportunity. A fellowship award is not a guarantee of employment with Impact for Equity after the fellowship ends. 

Click on the following links to learn more about Skadden Fellowship, Equal Justice Works Fellowship, and Justice Catalyst Fellowship. You can also explore other opportunities through your law school, as several law schools offer public interest fellowship funding for their graduates.  

Fellowship Requirements

3L law students, recent grads, and judicial clerks are invited to apply for fellowships hosted by Impact for Equity.

At a minimum, all applicants should possess:

• A demonstrated commitment to civil rights and social justice;
• Strong research and writing abilities, along with court advocacy skills;
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team and in partnership with community stakeholders;
• Self-motivation and comfort with handling multiple projects or assignments at a time;
• Personal or professional experience with, or another demonstrated commitment to, the communities we serve; we encourage applicants to share relevant experience in their cover letter;
• An Illinois law license, or the ability to become licensed in Illinois, or completion of law school by the time the fellowship begins;
• An ability to commute to Impact for Equity's office in downtown Chicago at least two days a week, as our office operates on a hybrid schedule.

For Equal Justice Works and law/graduate school-supported fellowships, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. To apply, submit the following to with “Fellowship Application” in the subject line: 

• Your resume and a cover letter highlighting your interest and experience in civil rights and social justice, your interest in a particular program area and why, and any ideas for a fellowship proposal (a fully developed proposal isn’t necessary — we’ll help you build it) 

• A brief legal writing sample (2–4 pages) 

• Your law school transcript 

• Contact information for two professional references 

Impact for Equity may sponsor more than one individual for a given opportunity. A fellowship award is not a guarantee of employment with Impact for Equity after the fellowship ends. If you’re interested in applying for a fellowship not listed here with Impact for Equity as your host organization, the same steps above apply.