ECO LEGAL
Colibrí Fellowship for DOJ Accreditation
The Colibrí Fellowship for DOJ Accreditation is a groundbreaking professional fellowship designed for individuals aiming to achieve partial or full Department of Justice (DOJ) accreditation. Our goal is to equip future legal representatives to enhance the capabilities of community-based legal aid organizations.
Fellowship Goals
- Diversify the legal profession by including Black, Brown, and Immigrant communities.
- Expand the pool of legal professionals.
- Increase the number of bilingual and bicultural legal professionals.
Who Can Apply
The Colibrí Fellowship is available to nonprofits working with immigrant communities. These organizations can nominate individuals who intend to pursue partial or full DOJ accreditation.
- Participants are required to apply for partial or full accreditation during the Fellowship or within 6 months of completing the program.
- Nominating organizations must provide services to immigrants in Oregon.
- Organizations not yet recognized by the DOJ must commit to submitting both the recognition application and the fellow’s accreditation application during the fellowship period or within 6 months after the program ends.
FAQ
common questions
Q: What is the Colibri Fellowship Program?
The Colibri Fellowship Program is designed to increase the number of DOJ Accredited Representatives in Oregon, providing comprehensive training and mentorship to nonprofit staff seeking partial and full DOJ accreditation. The program aims to expand access to high-quality immigration legal services in Oregon.
Q: Who can apply for the Colibri Fellowship Program?
The program is open to Oregon nonprofits providing immigration legal services and their staff members seeking partial or full DOJ accreditation. Applicants must be able to read and write in English in order to be able to fill out immigration forms.
Q: What are the responsibilities of participating organizations?
Participating organizations must recruit, employ fellows, and contribute matching funds for fellow salaries if applicable. Time and space for this training should be made available for the fellows during regular business hours.
Q: What support will fellows receive during the program?
Fellows will receive 40 hours of annual training, hands-on experience, mentorship, and ongoing supervision. They will also participate in monthly cohort meetings, a kickoff retreat, an annual retreat, and a graduation ceremony.
Q: When does it start, when does it end, and how much time do I need to commit?
The fellowship runs 9-months, starting September 2026 and ending June 2027. We expect cohort members will commit approximately 5-8 hours weekly for the duration of the fellowship.
Q: How is the Fellowship Program funded?
The program is funded through a combination of grants, our statewide legal service program Equity Corps of Oregon and contributions from participating organizations, covering salaries, training, coordination, evaluation, and other operational expenses.
Q: When are fellows/organizations required to apply for accreditation/recognition?
Fellows are expected to apply for accreditation within six months after the fellowship ends or by December 2027. Organizations that are not yet recognized also should apply within six months after the fellowship ends.