SFVBA Member News, Jobs, Verdicts, and Settlements

JOB OPENING: California Youth Defender Center

Posted by: Organization Account Account on Jun 25, 2025

The California Youth Defender Center invites rising third-year law students and recent law graduates to apply for a sponsorship opportunity to work with us as a Legal Fellow for up to one/two year(s). We seek applicants to consider us for a sponsored fellowship such as Equal Justice Work, Skadden, Soros or other public interest fellowships to begin in the fall of 2026. This is a remote role which requires some in person meetings, convenings, and travel around California.

Founded in 1999, CYDC is the only organization in California that supports and
champions youth defenders and the young people they represent. We focus on:
• building defender capacity and excellence by providing in person and online trainings, litigation tools, and nurturing a dynamic legal community;
• strategic litigation and amicus work that improves outcomes for youth by strengthening the law through litigation at the trial, appellate, and supreme court levels;
• youth justice policy & reform by expanding alternatives to youth incarceration and negative impacts of the system by engaging in legislative and policy advocacy; and,
• anti-racism & equity in youth defense, where we aim to decrease disparities and structural racism in the youth justice system.

Our staff will work with candidates to develop their proposals to external funders for submission, helping tailor the proposal to address a pressing legal need for youth involved in the justice system in California. Proposed projects often combine training and policy advocacy, with community outreach and public education. Please submit a resume, cover letter and writing sample, and tailor your cover letters to explain why you’re interested in working with CYDC, and any specific area (s) of interest you have. Please send applications to Em Steen, CYDC Operations Manager, at em@cayouthdefenders.org. We will review applications on a rolling basis, but priority consideration will be given to those who submit applications by July 3, 2025.

We will then interview and select a candidate to move forward with the fellowship application process. Employment is contingent upon the candidate receiving a fellowship. Compensation may vary depending on the particular fellowship secured by the applicant.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING
• J.D. or expected to receive a J.D. by the spring of 2026
• Demonstrated commitment to public interest law, youth justice, and racial justice
• Willingness to work closely with CYDC through the funding application process
• Excellent research, writing, and verbal communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a proven ability to work independently as well as within a team
• Self-motivated with the ability to take initiative, manage a variety of tasks and see projects through to completion
• Prior experience with the juvenile and criminal legal system preferred but not required
• Commitment to advancing the mission of CYDC
• Commitment to embed the principles of equity, inclusion and belonging in your work by demonstrating commitment to inclusive workplaces with an approach that respects and values multiple perspectives

WHY CYDC
For over 25 years, we have been driven by a vision that California sets the standard for youth justice, where statewide efforts ensure that every county has a holistic team ready to defend & rehabilitate each young person, every community has place-based alternatives to youth detention, and every child has an equitable chance to heal, grow, and thrive. Under leadership of our staff, Board of Directors, Advisory Board and an expansive volunteer network of attorneys, policy advocates and social workers from around the state, CYDC is a leading voice in youth justice in California.

OUR COMMITMENT TO ACCESSIBILITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
Inclusion and equity are core values of CYDC in advancing its mission. We are committed to building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working and learning environment. We believe a variety of viewpoints benefits and enriches the development of all CYDC members and ultimately the young people we serve.

CYDC is an equal opportunity employer. CYDC is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need assistance applying online, please email Em Steen at em@cayouthdefenders.org. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.

Any views or opinions expressed in this entry may not be reflective of those of the San Fernando Valley Bar Association.

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