Legal Fellow (Fall 2026)

The Wikimedia Foundation is seeking a Legal Fellow for Fall 2026 to join its Legal Department. This fellowship offers current law students or recent graduates an immersive in-house experience, focusing on Internet law and issues pertinent to free knowledge organizations. Fellows will engage with a variety of legal matters, including complex copyright questions, international freedom of expression, mobile development, and internal corporate compliance.

Key responsibilities include conducting legal research, drafting licensing agreements, and developing internal and external policies. Fellows will be assigned projects that align with their interests and strengths, working closely with supervising attorneys to spearhead these initiatives. Participation in internal and external meetings and collaboration on diverse projects are integral parts of the role.

Applicants should demonstrate a strong commitment to the Wikimedia Foundation's mission of free knowledge, with an interest in free culture issues, digital rights, and open-source software. A good sense of humor, adaptability in a fast-paced environment, and intellectual curiosity are essential. Experience with large online user communities, particularly wikis or Wikimedia projects, is preferred. Excellent writing skills and completed coursework in areas such as Internet law, freedom of expression, intellectual property, contract drafting, international law, privacy, data security, and licensing are highly desirable.

The Wikimedia Foundation offers a collaborative and transparent work environment, providing fellows with the opportunity to contribute to a global movement dedicated to free knowledge. This fellowship is an excellent opportunity for individuals passionate about digital rights and open-source issues to gain practical legal experience in a dynamic setting.