Law Clerk - Legal Defense Fund (Fall 2026)

To be considered for this position, please upload your resume, cover letter and writing sample (5-10 pages) at the prompt. Your writing sample can be a legal memo or an excerpt from a brief.  

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Office of General Counsel (OGC) is seeking a highly driven third year law clerk with a strong interest in social justice, advocacy, and nonprofit law to work in its Legal Defense Fund (LDF) during the Fall 2026 semester. As a law clerk, you will be a vital contributor to the work of LDF. This is an excellent opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the many legal issues social workers encounter and how new legislation and court decisions can impact the social work profession. 

NASW is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world, with more than 89,000 members. NASW works to enhance the professional growth and development of its members, to create and maintain professional standards, and to advance sound social policies. LDF is responsible for providing legal support and information to NASW members and the profession to achieve our mission of advancing the legal interests of social workers. 

Key Responsibilities:

Provide legal support for NASW’s Legal Defense Fund through activities such as:

• Researching and preparing articles and other guidance for members on emerging legal and social policy topics.
• Assisting in researching and planning webinars on key practice-related areas.
• Drafting comments on proposed regulations impacting social work practice.
• Researching and drafting analyses regarding federal and state legislative and policy issues affecting social work practice. 
• Attending team meetings, LDF board meetings, and engaging in discussions to offer legal perspectives and recommendations.

Minimum Requirements:

• Current student in an accredited law school (3L).
• Strong interest in nonprofit law, social justice, and advocacy.
• Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to analyze complex legal issues.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience or strong interest in social work is a plus.

Work Location/Commitments:

This role is based out of our Washington, DC office but the law clerk may work remotely with attorney supervision depending on their location. This role is 10-15 hours per week for the Fall Semester.

Benefits:

• Eligible to enroll in the Association's' 401(k) plan with pre- and post-tax options available.
• Work under close supervision of experienced legal professionals in a supportive environment.
• Impactful contribution to the field of social work and promote positive change.
• Experience working in an in-house legal environment.
• Flexible scheduling to accommodate academic commitments.

Deadline: We will accept applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled. If you have questions, please contact Dante Lentz at dlentz.nasw@socialworkers.org. 

We look forward to welcoming a passionate and dedicated law student to our team!

NASW is an equal opportunity employer.  As such, NASW is committed to promoting and providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees.  The selection of personnel, including new hires and promotions, will be on the basis of qualifications designed to ensure appointments of persons able to effectively discharge the duties and responsibilities of their position.  The Association will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression (including transgender status), marital status, veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.  The Association will also abide by applicable Affirmative Action requirements mandated by any federal contracts.