Organization:

The Bail Project is a national nonprofit designed to combat mass incarceration by disrupting the money bail system one person at a time. We’re on a mission to combat mass incarceration and demonstrate that a more humane, equitable, and effective pretrial system is possible.

The Bail Project’s National Revolving Bail Fund provides free bail assistance to low-income individuals who are legally presumed innocent, and whom a judge has deemed eligible for release before trial contingent on paying bail. We enable our clients to return home to their families and communities while awaiting their court dates, connect them with community organizations that can assist them in accessing resources, and provide reminders and assistance to ensure that clients return to court for their court dates. In addition to these direct services, The Bail Project gathers human stories and data from our sites to support grassroots advocacy and inform policy recommendations.

Position Summary:

The Georgetown Fellow’s primary responsibilities will include assisting the Policy team with key policy projects to end cash bail and strengthen pretrial systems across the country. This position will be entirely remote.

Hours: 35 hours per week

Term: Summer 2023

Start Date: 6/05/23

End Date: 7/28/23

Reports to: Senior Policy Counsel

Compensation: Via Georgetown Law

Responsibilities:

• Provide legal and policy analysis of reform proposals, including legislation and court rules.
• Assist with local, state, and federal legislative, electoral, and other policy projects and campaign planning for administrative and legislative advocacy.
• Review local and statewide landscapes and assist in identifying policy opportunities to advocate around bail and pretrial reform.
• Draft proposed and model legislation at federal, state, and local levels.
• Support the development of advocacy materials, including work products to educate public and policymakers on bail reform and pretrial systems.
• Conduct legal research into specific topics related to pretrial detention, speedy trial, due process rights, pretrial release decisions, and conditions of pretrial release.
• Attend online hearings, briefings, coalition meetings, and other pretrial policy related events.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

You will be a rising 2L or 3L in law school during the summer of 2023. You are driven, highly organized, and have a deep commitment to The Bail Project’s mission to eliminate race- and wealth-based disparities in pretrial release decisions. We’re looking for someone who is comfortable working independently or in a team-based setting, and someone with a strong interest in criminal legal advocacy and influencing systems of power.

To excel in this role, you likely bring the following:

• Desire to gain advocacy experience working on criminal legal reform
• A demonstrated background or interest in criminal legal reform through coursework or other relevant experience
• Strong motivation and a sense of responsibility to our work and our clients
• Experience or interest in conducting legal or academic research
• Strong writing and analytic skills
• Proficient with Google Suite (particularly Google Docs and Sheets)
• Strong organizational skills and comfort working within a high-paced work environment
• Direct experience within the system is a plus

How to Apply:

Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter. In the cover letter, please address the following:

• Why do you want to intern with The Bail Project?
• Please share 1-2 experiences that highlight why you would be a strong candidate for this internship and how you meet the qualifications for the position.

All applications must be submitted by EOD, January 11, 2023.

To apply, head to bailproject.org/careers

No emails, faxes, or phone calls please. Applicants will be notified regarding whether or not they have been selected for an interview. Applications without cover letters will not be processed.

The Bail Project is proud to be an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and actively seeks the candidacy of people of color, women, LGBTQIA people, and formerly incarcerated individuals. We are committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in our work and staff.