Careers
For more than 50 years, Public Advocates Inc. has been at the forefront of social justice movements in California as a bold and highly regarded civil rights law firm and advocacy organization that challenges the systemic causes of poverty and racial discrimination. We pride ourselves on skillfully deploying a diverse set of legal and policy tools to achieve tangible legal victories and help low-income communities of color build their power to participate effectively in public decision-making.
As a team member at Public Advocates, you get to be involved in meaningful social justice work, positively impacting people’s lives and building power for low-income communities. You also get to work with a brilliant, committed staff. Public Advocates has a track record of caring for staff. Aside from well thought out policies and procedures, we provide comprehensive benefits, competitive salaries, opportunities for self-care and fun activities while working in a professional, collegial atmosphere. Our values are reflected in our mission, vision, and commitment to diversity.
At Public Advocates, we’re always looking for great people to work with committed to fostering a diverse staff and diversity in the legal profession and we seek to fill these positions with someone who shares our values, including our organizational commitment to diversity.* We value diversity in our workplace, including people of color, women, people with disabilities, people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender, and anyone belonging to any other federal or state protected category.
Public Advocates reflects the rich diversity of California. Two-thirds of our Board members and 60% of our employees are people of color. Our senior leadership team also reflects our commitment to diversity. Four of seven members – including our President & CEO – are people of color and three are women. We encourage all interested individuals to apply — especially Black, Indigenous and People of Color; women; people from low-income backgrounds; people with disabilities; people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender or anyone belonging to any other federal or state protected category. Read our Diversity Vision Statement.
*Those applicants requiring an accommodation to complete the application and/or interview process should send an email to [email protected] for assistance.
Work with us!
2026 Summer Intern: Fundraising & Development
Join Public Advocates this summer to power racial and economic justice through strategic fundraising and donor engagement. Our 10-week Fundraising & Development internship offers hands-on experience researching funders, drafting proposals, and building the financial capacity that sustains our education, housing, transit, and climate justice work. Interns receive a $5,000 living allowance plus mentorship from our development team in our San Francisco office. Applications are being accepted now through March 2026.
Senior Policy Advocate, Education Equity
Join Our Education Equity Team! Public Advocates is seeking a passionate and strategic Senior Policy Advocate to lead efforts advancing educator diversity, preparation, and equity across California. Join us in making systemic change that ensures every student has access to well-prepared, diverse, and supported teachers.
2026 Arc of Justice Fellowship
Public Advocates and the Charles Houston Bar Association invite law students to apply for the eighth annual Arc of Justice Summer Fellowship. This 10-week program combines hands-on civil rights work in education, housing, and transit justice with dedicated mentorship and networking opportunities designed to increase representation of attorneys of color in public interest law. Fellows receive an $8,000 living allowance and access to both organizations’ professional networks.
2026 Summer Legal Clerkship
Join Public Advocates this summer to advance racial and economic justice through impact litigation and community partnership. Our 10-week clerkship program offers hands-on experience in education, housing, transit, and climate justice alongside leading civil rights attorneys in San Francisco or Sacramento. Law clerks receive a $5,000 living allowance plus comprehensive training and mentorship. Applications are being accepted now through February 2026.

