FVAP seeks candidate to sponsor for fellowship funding!
FVAP is available to sponsor a post-graduate 2021 fellow seeking funding from another source, but may be
able to supplement secured funding commensurate with local salaries. We value diverse experiences and
backgrounds. FVAP’s clientele is extremely diverse, and we serve individuals and advocates throughout the
state, including rural, suburban, and urban populations. The ideal candidate will bring skills and experiences
enabling the candidate to serve these diverse populations adeptly in the context of domestic violence and
appellate litigation.
FVAP is the only organization in California dedicated to appealing cases on behalf of survivors of domestic
violence. We are committed to social justice and are dedicated to shaping California law to prioritize the
safety of survivors and children by representing clients in the California Courts of Appeal, submitting amicus
curiae briefs in cases of statewide importance, monitoring unpublished cases daily and requesting publication
of important domestic violence cases, and engaging in legislative and systems change advocacy efforts. We
are also committed to supporting the statewide network of domestic violence and legal aid service providers
by providing trainings, technical assistance, and written informational materials, and by facilitating information
exchange among statewide stakeholders supporting survivors. If you are interested in being part of this
exciting social justice movement and resource for domestic violence survivors and advocates across California,
this is the place for you! You can learn more at www.fvaplaw.org.
Prior to applying to outside funding sources, students may discuss with our staff a possible fellowship project
tailored to their particular interests. Some opportunities include:
Outreach, training, and legal representation in rural California counties or to specific, underserved
populations;
Developing a writs project to enable FVAP and our pro bono partners to quickly intake, assess and
successfully file writs on behalf of domestic violence survivors facing 1-2 specific issues, such as
violation of California’s rebuttable presumption against granting custody to a domestic abuser, or
refusing to issue temporary restraining orders requested on an ex parte basis;
Developing our pro se legal information program, including an assessment of the needs of pro se
domestic violence survivors, the ethics of providing legal information to pro se litigants, creation of pro
se information materials, outreach concerning our services, and provision of these services;
Developing our technical assistance program, including an assessment of the needs of legal services
agencies who work on domestic violence issues, development of technical assistance content and
materials, and provision of these services to agencies statewide;
Developing materials to help other states replicate the formation of FVAP in California;
Exploring the intersection between domestic violence and other forms of gender-based, intimate
partner, and family abuse.
Required Qualifications and Experience:
J.D. degree received by beginning of fellowship;
Knowledge of, or strong interest in, domestic violence law and/or family law, either through law school
course work or work experience;
Experience working with clients in crisis strongly preferred;
Litigation or appellate experience preferred but not required;
Excellent communication and writing skills;
Strong organizational skills;
Ability to work independently and as part of a team;
Ability to work with low‐income clients;
Ability to adapt to and work in a fast-paced environment and complete time-sensitive assignments
thoroughly and on time;
Eagerness to help clients in need and gain hands-on experience with trial court records, appellate
procedure, and domestic violence issues.
Fellowship should begin in late summer or early fall 2021. The fellow will be located in our office in Oakland,
California. Daily supervision will be provided by the Director of Programs or Staff Attorney.
To Apply: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, and reviewed as received, until the position is filled.
Applications need to be received far enough in advance of funding source deadlines that FVAP can
meaningfully work with you on developing a project proposal. Students are encouraged to apply early in the
process.
To apply, please email or mail a cover letter, resume and transcript to:
Jennafer Wagner, Director of Programs
staff@fvaplaw.org
Family Violence Appellate Project, 449 15 th Street, Suite 104, Oakland, CA 94612
Your cover letter should speak to: 1) what funding sources you will apply to, and when their deadlines are; 2)
why you are interested in working at FVAP; 3) how your background or experiences, educational or otherwise,
have prepared you to contribute to our work and perform the required duties and any preferred qualifications,
and; 4) how your background or experiences, educational or otherwise, have prepared you to contribute to
our commitment to diversity and cultural responsiveness amongst our team of staff and interns. Feel free to
think broadly about your response to these questions, applying various aspects of your life and personal
experiences.
To promote social justice and best serve our clients, FVAP is an equal opportunity employer and is committed
to maintaining a diverse staff and providing culturally competent services. Individuals of all races, ethnicities,
national origins, religions, ages, sexes, sexual orientations, and gender identities, as well as differently abled
persons, survivors of domestic violence, candidates from traditionally underrepresented communities and
historically oppressed groups, bilingual and bicultural candidates, and those who are the first in their family to
complete college or graduate school, are encouraged to apply.
FVAP is located in Oakland, California. We are convenient to multiple bus lines and are close to both the 12 th
and 19 th Street BART stations.
Thank you for your interest in FVAP!
