The Promise of Justice Initiative (PJI) is a New Orleans-based organization that stands at the forefront of the fight for the liberation, freedom, and autonomy of Black people and all those targeted and touched by the criminal legal system and mass incarceration.

PJI moves life-changing work: Because racism and mass incarceration are entrenched and pervasive foes, PJI’s approach is multifaceted, including collective action, legislative advocacy, civil and criminal litigation, and reframing narrative discourse.

We challenge the notion that prisons keep us safe and that people with convictions should have no rights. We fight for freedom for people sentenced to die in prison. PJI blocks harmful legislation and pushes for dignity-advancing legislation. PJI partners on and co-strategizes social movement work with hundreds of currently incarcerated people. We advance the voices of survivors of violence and challenge the death penalty. Our work builds powerful authentic stories, pushes counter-narratives, and changes discourse.

The world that PJI pushes for is one where the legal system recognizes freedom and dignity as universal rights and that embodies an ethos of transformation, restoration, and safety.

About the Position

PJI is accepting applications for grant-based fellowships that would begin in Fall

2026. We are particularly interested in projects that further the racial justice civil litigation or systemic criminal representation work that PJI is currently doing, such as Jail/Prison Conditions, Forced Labor, Post Conviction Reform, and Excessive Sentencing.

Fellowship Sources:

PJI will consider sponsorship for school-based or grant-based fellowships. In your cover letter, you should: (1) clearly identify potential grantors, (2) outline the fellowship requirements, (3) describe the grant application process and (4) include any relevant deadlines. Applicants for project-based fellowships should include: (1) A description of their proposed project of one page or less and (2) an explanation of how the project will further PJI’s vision and how it fits with PJI’s current work. Applicants interested in a PJI- driven proposal should reach out as soon as possible

Required Qualifications:

• Law degree and eligibility for admission to the Louisiana State Bar
• Demonstrated commitment to racial equity
• Experience working with people who are impacted by the carceral system
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Willingness to work outside of normal work hours when necessary
• Ability to work on teams and with different working styles
• Driver’s license (strongly preferred)

Compensation

Fellows are compensated as provided by the external grantor. If not provided by the grantor, PJI will provide full health insurance benefits.

Apply Please email the following materials to Lauren Sapp at lsapp@defendla.org:

• A cover letter explaining: o Your interest in the fellowship o The prospective funder or fellowship source
• Your resume
• A short writing sample (no more than 10 pages)
• Three references
• (If applicable) A one-page or less description of your proposed project for project- based grant applications *Subject line of your email should be: “Fellowship Application”
  Dates Sponsored grant applications are due to PJI four weeks before the application is due to the granting organization (e.g., EJW applications must be submitted on September 18, 2025, so applications to PJI are due by August 21, 2025).