Job Responsibilities:
- Participants in the Law Student Summer Program will engage in a range of activities designed to provide practical experience in public interest law.
- Students will conduct legal research and draft memoranda on various topics related to poverty law.
- They will perform client intakes, which involves gathering and analyzing client information to determine legal needs.
- Students will draft legal pleadings, a crucial component of preparing for legal proceedings.
- Participants will gain experience in trial preparation, which includes organizing evidence and formulating legal arguments.
- Students will attend client hearings to observe and understand courtroom procedures and client advocacy.
- Building relationships with community partners is an essential part of the role, as it helps in connecting clients with local resources.
- Students will also engage in community outreach to raise awareness and provide information about legal rights and services.
Education and Experience Information:
- The program is open to first- and second-year law students who are interested in gaining experience in public interest law.
- Candidates should demonstrate a strong interest in public interest law and possess the ability to exhibit initiative, self-motivation, and deductive reasoning.
- Basic computer knowledge is required, including proficiency in Microsoft Office and Legal Server skills.
- Excellent communication skills are necessary, along with a comfort level in speaking on the phone or in person with clients.
Salary Information:
- The positions offered through the Law Student Summer Program are unpaid.
- Although organization is unable to provide a stipend, efforts will be made to locate affordable housing solutions for the summer law students. However, this is not guaranteed.
Additional Information:
- Students will be matched with one or more teams focusing on areas such as domestic violence, benefits, housing, immigration, and disaster legal services for their primary work.
- There will be opportunities to learn about specialized legal practice areas and other holistic services provided by the organization.
- Participants will work full-time, totaling 37.5 hours per week.
- The program includes virtual and in-person training sessions, opportunities to meet local judges and attorneys, and observe court proceedings in both district and federal courts.
- Students will also have the chance to observe court diversion programs like Veterans’ Treatment and Sobriety Courts.
- Social activities will be organized by staff and students to enhance the summer experience.
