NLADA Client and Community Advocate Fellowship

Mission: The NLADA Client and Community Advocate fellowship is created to strengthen Civil Legal Aid and Public Defender Offices by developing sustainable, community-based solutions to today’s urgent challenges.

This program places clients and community advocates with lived experience in civil legal aid and public defender offices to ensure that the voice of the community is centered in the services and advocacy. The goal is to leverage the expertise lived experience, and deep commitment to equity and justice from the client and community advocate community to assist legal aid and public defender organizations build the capacity to adapt, innovate, and expand equitable access to justice.

Vision: We envision a more resilient and equitable legal support system where all communities have access to high-quality legal advocacy, powered by agile, well-trained and culturally competent, anti-racist professionals and supported by resourceful, future-focused institutions.

Purpose: Our purpose is to connect passionate, community-oriented professionals with lived experience to Public Defender and Legal Aid offices through an 18-month fellowship. This program serves a dual mission: to foster the professional growth of fellows and to strengthen community engagement within host organizations. In response to the rapidly changing climate, we seek adaptable, committed individuals who can respond swiftly and effectively to social justice challenges.

Funding: This program will be a collaboration between Public Defender, Civil Legal Aid Offices and NLADA, with funding coming from a combination of funds provided by the office and NLADA.