Careers

6AC seeks a Legal Fellow to play a key role in supporting the organization’s reform work, including evaluations, research, and technical assistance projects. This is a one-year fellowship position that will run from September 2027—September 2028.

Reports to: Chief of Staff
Location & Status: Boston Area (Hybrid), Full-Time (up to 30% travel)
Salary & Benefits: The salary for this fellowship is not funded by 6AC. Candidates are responsible for securing their own funding from their law school. 6AC will provide benefits, including health insurance and supplemental coverage. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, this position may qualify for the federal loan forgiveness program. 6AC will work with successful applicants to seek law school funding.  

What You’ll Own

• Conduct in-depth legal and policy research and analysis on public defense systems
• Monitor legislation, litigation, and news affecting indigent defense across the U.S.
• Gather data through published sources, court observations, and interviews 
• Draft and support the development of evaluation reports and public education materials
• Travel for conferences, trainings, and site work (up to 30%)
• Contribute to strategic thinking and innovative solutions for systemic change
• Collaborate with team members and help provide expert assistance to policymakers and other stakeholders

Qualifications 

Required

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school
• Valid driver’s license
• Demonstrated commitment to indigent defense or criminal justice, either through direct representation, policy, or systems-level work
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and legal research tools, such as Westlaw and LexisNexis
• Detail-oriented, organized, and self-motivated
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Genuine interest and alignment with 6AC’s mission, values, and philosophy of change

How We Work

We are a small, mission-driven team where individuals operate with a high degree of autonomy while collaborating across projects. We do not provide any direct representation to clients or participate in any litigation. This role requires someone who enjoys:

• Learning about the intricacies of the constitutional right to counsel
• Finds meaning in making information clear, organized, and accessible 
• Thrives with autonomy and takes ownership of outcomes

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and unofficial transcript to Renay Frankel (renay.frankel@6AC.org) with “6AC Legal Fellow Application” as the subject line. In your cover letter, please tell us about your background in indigent defense and why this role interests you. Please include the source of funding you expect to obtain for this fellowship. 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We look forward to hearing from you.

6AC is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

The Sixth Amendment Center (6AC) is a national nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that seeks to ensure that no person faces potential time in jail or prison without first having a lawyer with the time, ability, and resources to present an effective defense, as required under the United States Constitution.

A 6AC internship is ideal for a law student interested in criminal justice policy, public defense, and upholding the Sixth Amendment right to counsel. It provides a unique opportunity to learn about the type of multi-strategy advocacy that is necessary to advance justice and gain direct exposure to pressing criminal justice issues across the nation.

While specific projects change each internship cohort, highlights of prior cohorts include:

• Observe court proceedings and interview stakeholders (including judges, defense attorneys, and prosecutors) for 6AC’s evaluations.
• Contribute to and receive recognition in nationally published reports (e.g., The Right to Counsel in Monroe County, Michigan; The Right to Counsel on Guam; and The Right to Counsel in Lake County, California).
• Conduct legal research and writing on cutting-edge issues pertaining to the right to counsel.
• Track news, litigation, and legislation on the right to counsel in all 50 states and territories daily.
• Receive ongoing training, supervision, and mentorship from 6AC’s staff.

Residency and stipends: The Summer 2027 internship program will run from June 1 to August 6. All interns must live in or near the Boston area for the full ten weeks to meet in person at least twice each week. 6AC will supplement stipends offered by your law school so that each student receives a total of $5,000 for the summer.

To apply: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until positions are filled. To apply, please submit a (1) cover letter explaining your interest in 6AC’s work, (2) resume, and (3) law school transcript (may be unofficial) to Renay Frankel, Chief of Staff at renay.frankel@6AC.org.