Job Responsibilities:
- Conduct legal research and prepare memoranda.
- Perform client intakes to assess legal needs.
- Draft legal pleadings for various case types.
- Prepare for trials through thorough case analysis and documentation.
- Attend and observe client hearings to gain practical courtroom experience.
- Build and maintain relationships with community partners to support client needs.
- Connect clients with local resources to ensure comprehensive support.
- Participate in community outreach to raise awareness and provide legal assistance.
- Attend virtual and in-person training sessions as part of professional development.
- Engage in the Lunch & Learn program to network with local judges and attorneys.
- Observe court proceedings in both district and federal courts to understand different legal processes.
- Observe court diversion programs, such as Veterans’ Treatment and Sobriety Courts, to gain insights into alternative legal resolutions.
- Participate in social activities organized by staff and students to foster a collaborative environment.
Education and Experience Information:
- Open to first- and second-year law students.
- Demonstrated interest in public interest law is essential.
- Ability to show initiative, self-motivation, and use deductive reasoning.
- Basic computer knowledge, including Microsoft Office and Legal Server skills, is desirable.
- Excellent communication skills, with comfort speaking on the phone or in person with clients.
Salary Information:
- The positions offered are unpaid. While the organization is unable to provide a stipend, efforts will be made to locate affordable housing solutions for summer law students, though this is not guaranteed.
This program offers law students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in public interest law, gaining practical experience and contributing to the welfare of low-income individuals in Western North Carolina. Through a combination of legal work, community engagement, and professional networking, students will develop valuable skills and insights into the impact of civil legal aid.
