Asian Law Caucus

ALC is the nation’s first legal organization focusing on advancing and defending the civil rights of Asian and Pacific Islander (API) communities. Since 1972, ALC has fought for access to affordable housing in San Francisco’s Chinatown, litigated high profile civil rights cases, advocated for the passage of landmark policy changes, and provided an array of services, including community education, advocacy, and direct client representation to further the rights of low-income immigrants and communities of color, across our Immigrant Justice, workers' rights, housing rights, and National Democracy Initiative programs, and other emerging areas of law.

ALC is based in San Francisco, a hub of the Asian American rights movement, progressive politics, and social justice activism. Our building in Chinatown is the first mixed-use, affordable housing co-op in San Francisco, serving as a model for preserving affordable housing in the city and protecting tenants’ rights.

Asian Law Caucus welcomes interest from law students or recent law graduates who would like to pursue fellowships with ALC.

We are now accepting applications from individuals interested in applying for external fellowship programs for placements beginning in fall 2027. The following program teams may host fellows:

● The Democracy and National Initiatives Program (DNI) pursues the promise of democracy for all. Rooted in ALC’s movement lawyering leadership, DNI projects include election protection and voting rights advocacy; litigation and community campaigns to preserve birthright citizenship; narrative, advocacy, and legal support for community partner organizations; Asian American Leaders Table and coalition-building.

● The Housing Rights Program defends the rights of low-income tenants in the Bay Area and Northern California and provides culturally and linguistically competent assistance with a focus on immigrant communities, seniors, and those living with disabilities. We engage in community education and outreach and advocate for local and state policies that preserve housing, create affordable housing options, and decrease inequities in housing and land use.

● The Immigrant Justice Program works at the intersection of the U.S. criminal legal and immigration systems to keep families and communities together. We represent and advocate for low-income immigrants facing deportation due to criminal convictions and partner with community members, families, and immigrant rights groups to delay and stop deportations and dismantle systems of mass incarceration.

● The Workers Rights Program aims to strengthen worker power and defend labor protections. We engage in direct services, strategic litigation, and policy advocacy on issues including immigration-related threats, wage and hour violations, retaliation, and race/national origin discrimination. Our program also works closely with worker centers and community partners to support worker organizing.