FELLOWSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT
2026 Martin Luther King, Jr. Legal Fellowship
Pennsylvania Utility Law Project (PULP)
About the Fellowship
The Pennsylvania Utility Law Project (PULP) is seeking to hire a legal fellow through the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network (PLAN) Martin Luther King, Jr. Legal Fellowship Program. The program, established in 2004, provides recent law school graduates with the opportunity to pursue a career in legal services through a structured, two-year fellowship program. Fellows are assigned mentors and supervised by experienced attorneys. The fellowship is intended to support and promote new lawyers who are interested in long-term careers in public interest law.
About PLAN
The Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network is a statewide consortium of independent legal aid programs that provides civil legal assistance to low income individuals and families throughout Pennsylvania.
About PULP
The Pennsylvania Utility Law Project (PULP) is a statewide legal services project and a member of PLAN. PULP provides information, assistance, and advice about residential utility and energy matters affecting low income consumers. We serve all of Pennsylvania and are based in Harrisburg, though staff work remotely from across the Commonwealth.
PULP works collaboratively across our team and in coalition with a wide range of partners to advance our mission to secure just and equitable access to safe and affordable utility services for Pennsylvanians experiencing poverty. Our work is centered on empowering individuals and communities through direct legal representation, advocacy, education, and support services. In all facets of our work, we prioritize solutions identified and informed by people who are experiencing poverty and insecurity in access to energy, water, telecommunications, and broadband services.
Position Summary
This fellow will work on a mix of individual client matters, statewide and regional energy and water policy, impact litigation before the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, and community education. A primary substantive focus of the fellowship will be to support PULP’s expanded focus on establishing equitable data center policies that prevent cost-shifting to low income households.
The fellow will also participate in training and activities associated with PLAN’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Fellowship and Internship Program.
Fellow Responsibilities
While specific fellow responsibilities may vary depending on policy and litigation needs throughout the year, they will include the following:
Conduct legal and policy research.
Provide legal advice and representation to individual consumers facing acute utility crisis through PULP’s utility hotline.
Draft and/or review formal written comments which advocate for and/or defend the positions of PULP’s clients in a range of policy proceedings before the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission and other government agencies.
Assist with large-scale litigation of utility proceedings before the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.
Advocate for the positions of PULP’s clients in meetings with utilities and administrative agencies.
Provide technical assistance and case consultation to other attorneys and advocates on matters impacting access to energy and water services.
Assist with developing and presenting educational training for a variety of audiences.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor of Art or Science from an accredited college or university.
Juris Doctorate from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.
Admission to the practice of law in Pennsylvania or eligibility to become a member of the Pennsylvania state bar within 4 months of hire.
Demonstrated commitment to achieving justice for low income Pennsylvanians.
Preferred Qualifications
Lived experience with utility insecurity.
Prior experience with legal aid / law school clinic, legislative advocacy, administrative advocacy, social services, or housing.
Fluency in writing and speaking a language other than English.
Other Qualifications
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Close attention to detail.
Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse, fast-paced environment.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate complicated concepts with a range of people and audiences.
Computer literacy, including web-based applications, email, and word processing.
A valid driver’s license or access to alternative means of reliable transportation.
Strong interest in working in public interest law in Pennsylvania.
Location
This role is Pennsylvania-based and fully remote, with travel to Harrisburg for in-person staff meetings 2-3 times per year and occasional in-person meetings, hearings, and trainings. All remote workers are provided with standard office equipment, but must maintain a separate office space and secure, high-speed internet. Those who wish to work in-person from our Harrisburg office will have the option to do so.
Compensation
Salary is dependent on experience. Estimated starting salary is $60,000 without a Pennsylvania bar license, which would increase upon bar passage. Salary range for licensed attorneys with 1-2 years’ experience is $65,000-$72,000. An excellent benefits package is also provided, including full healthcare, dental coverage, retirement contributions, and generous paid leave.
Loan repayment assistance (LRA) is available. Fellows must first apply for LRA through the PA Bar Foundation IOLTA Loan Repayment Program, their law school, and/or the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) to receive PLAN LRA. The 2026-27 PA Bar Foundation IOLTA Program application is expected to open in early September 2026.
How to Apply
Send a cover letter, resume, three professional references (must identify relationship with reference), official law school transcript, and a writing sample (limit 15 pages) to Madi Keaton at mkeaton@pautilitylawproject.org. Please explain in your cover letter your interest in public interest law, including your interest in working with PULP specifically, as well as how your unique background and/or experiences might contribute to the diversity, cultural vitality, and perspective of our staff and legal services practice.
PULP strongly discourages the use of AI in application materials, including the cover letter and writing sample. Strong writing skills are a required skill for this position. All application materials must be the applicant’s own. PULP reserves the right to decline to interview a candidate or rescind a fellowship offer if an applicant misrepresents the originality of their application materials.
Applications will be accepted by email only, until the position is filled. Preference will be given to candidates that apply by Friday, September 4, 2026.
PULP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values a diverse and inclusive work experience. Employment decisions are based on merit, without regard to race, color, religious creed, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, military service or status, veteran status, marital status, parenthood, political affiliation or beliefs, or any other factors unrelated to the skills and qualifications for the position. Individuals of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, including but not limited to people of color and individuals who are multi-cultural or multi-lingual, women, people with disabilities, people from low income or working-class backgrounds, veterans, and people who identify as LGBTQ+. If you require assistance or a reasonable accommodation in completing or submitting your application or participating in the interview process, please reach out to Madi Keaton at mkeaton@pautilitylawproject.org.