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Friday, October 26, 2012

Tips on How to Land a Career in Public Interest from Attorney Sabel


CLSR: Law Matters Housing and Foreclosure Speaker 


Left to right: Attorney Robert Sabel, Professor Monica Teixeira de Sousa, Professor David Siegel

Director of Litigation for Rhode Island Legal Services, Attorney Robert Sabel shared his experience, joys and frustrations with the current state of legal services at the Law Matters Lunchtime Chat on October 24th at the CLSR.  For law students hoping to land jobs in the legal services sector, Attorney Sabel’s thoughtful and frank advice was invaluable.  He emphasized the increasing importance of technology and foreign language proficiency and suggested that students and recent grads learn Spanish in order to make themselves more marketable candidates.

When asked how he has managed to stay committed to legal services for his entire 36 year career, Attorney Sabel responded that he strives to keep variety in the work that he does.  He stressed the value of being on the board of directors for a non-profit housing organization in addition to his regular caseload as a way to “keep from feeling that I am just shoveling sand against the tide.”

For coursework, Attorney Sabel suggested students focus on the core classes, especially Constitutional Law and Administrative Law.  After listening to his accomplishments, I would also recommend Business Organizations and Negotiation as key courses to build a career in public interest.

Professors speaking after the event

In summing up his experience, Attorney Sabel exclaimed, “the beauty of being a legal services attorney is that you’re always on the right side of the case!” Thank you, Attorney Sabel, for visiting our center.

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Prominent Foreclosure and Housing Speaker to Visit the CLSR


Guest Speaker Attorney Robert Sabel, Director of Litigation at Rhode Island Legal Services will speak about his work in the area of housing law, focusing on foreclosure prevention, landlord-tenant disputes and his work with public housing tenant associations in Newport, Rhode Island. Attorney Sabel’s qualifications include:
25 years of legal services experience
22 years of management experience
10 years directing litigation at Rhode Island Legal Services


When and Where:
Wednesday, October 24th at 12:00pm 
St. James Conference Room, lunch provided.
RSVP: erika.m.barber@nesl.edu 

Friday, October 12, 2012

Second DACA Training - Tuesday 10/16, 6 pm room 506

“I just wanted you both to know how wonderful Tristan and Carleigh were last night. We were able to see everyone who came into the clinic in a timely fashion. I really appreciate the time you spent working with your students beforehand. Thank you so much for helping with the DACA clinics. I look forward to meeting/working with you and your other students.” - Paige Gunning, Paralegal at Greater Boston Legal Services (GBLS).

Information on the first training: 

The first DACA training was a huge success, with 26 students and 2 alumni participating. DACA, which stands for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, is a new administrative policy of the Department of Homeland Security that could affect as many as 1.4 million immigrants currently in the United States.  DACA may lead to eligibility for work authorization for young adults who do not currently have legal status in the United States. 

New England Law | Boston students are now volunteering weekly at DACA clinics held at Greater Boston Legal Services. Everyone is welcome to attend the next training and can then sign up to help real clients on a weekly basis. 

“Thank you for the opportunity to get my feet a little wet. This kind of experience is truly invaluable for me. I don't really have any contacts in the legal community and haven't spent much time with professional lawyers. The DACA session gave me a first-hand look at how I could use my passion for public service to build a future career. The people I was helping were so generous in spirit and grateful for the little bit of help I could give them. I just hope they know how grateful I am for having a chance to work with them. What a great night!” – Tristan Brown, 1L 


Tuesday, October 9, 2012

MA Public Defender Hiring Information Program

October 10th, 4:30pm – 6:00pm, Cherry Room
CPCS staff attorneys from the Private Counsel Division (for criminal, juvenile delinquency and related matters), the Children and Family Law Division (CAFL) and the Mental Health Litigation Unit will present information about their work and explain how students can apply for opportunities with CPCS.
Refreshments will be served.
Please RSVP with the CSO so we will be sure to order enough food: cso@nesl.edu

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Equal Justice Works - 3 year position in Illinois


Seeking Applicants for the Illinois Foreclosure Fellowship Program

Equal Justice Works has been awarded a grant from Attorney General Lisa Madigan of Illinois to establish four 3-year Fellowships in the state to assist distressed and at-risk homeowners and tenants. The Foreclosure Fellows will be placed with our partner organizations—Chicago Legal Clinic, Chicago Volunteer Legal Services, Lawyers’ Committee for Better Housing, and the University of Illinois College of Law and Community Preservation Clinic.

We are currently seeking Illinois-licensed attorneys or recent law graduates with up to two years of work experience. Applicants should have a demonstrated record of ensuring equal access to the justice system for all homeowners and renters. Please visit our website to find more details about applicant requirements and the Fellowship program.

Applications are due October 24. Please direct all questions to Kathryn Gravely, Program Manager at foreclosure@equaljusticeworks.org, or (202) 466-3686 ext. 125. The three-year Fellowships will begin on December 1, 2012.