Job Title:
Legal Intern/Volunteer – Safety Net Project
Job Responsibilities:
Legal interns and volunteers for the Safety Net Project will be engaged in several key activities to support the mission of advocating for affordable housing and providing essential legal services to low and no-income households. The responsibilities include:
- Assisting Safety Net Project's Staff Attorneys in litigating matters within Housing Court.
- Conducting comprehensive legal research and drafting legal documents.
- Performing client intakes and engaging in outreach activities.
- Corresponding with social service agencies to support clients' cases.
- Attending building-wide and client-specific meetings to provide legal assistance.
- Delivering files, checks, and important documents to staff attorneys in court.
Education and Experience Information:
The position is aimed at law students who are seeking to gain practical experience in the field of legal services, particularly in housing law and public benefits. Although specific educational qualifications are not detailed, it is implied that applicants should be enrolled in a law school program. Experience in legal research, client interaction, and a commitment to social justice are likely beneficial for applicants.
Salary Information:
The position is unpaid. However, the organization indicates a willingness to assist students in obtaining financial support from their respective legal institutions to cover expenses during the internship. This support could include guidance or documentation to secure stipends or grants available through the students' schools.
Additional Information:
- Internship Type: The position is categorized as an Internship-Fellowship, implying a combination of hands-on experience and potential for academic or professional development.
- Recruitment Deadlines: The recruitment process is cyclical, with specific periods for application:
- Fall Recruitment: May – August
- Spring Recruitment: September – November
- Summer Recruitment: February – April
- Application Process: Interested candidates are instructed to send their resume and cover letter via email, specifying the subject line "SNP Legal Internship."
- Equal Opportunity Employment: The organization is committed to diversity and encourages applications from individuals of varied backgrounds, including women, people of color, immigrants, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals, and those from low-income backgrounds. There is an explicit encouragement for individuals with lived experiences relevant to the communities served by the Safety Net Project to apply.
Project Description:
The Safety Net Project is dedicated to advocating for safe and secure housing and ensuring access to fundamental resources such as food and cash assistance for marginalized communities in New York City. The project employs a multifaceted approach that includes legal services, policy advocacy, new media campaigns, and community organizing to advance economic justice.
Organization Description:
The organization serves New York City's most vulnerable residents by combining direct legal service, systemic advocacy, community education, and political organizing. The organization's 12 projects offer a wide range of support, from providing one-on-one legal advice in soup kitchens to filing class action lawsuits for systemic change and advancing social justice legislation.
