Welcome to the CLSR Weblog.
Please browse around, catch up on our latest public interest law projects, peruse our links (including the one to our home site, New England Law | Boston), and add your comments. Before you start, we encourage you to become familiar with our Terms of Use.
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Job Posting: Family Law Attorney Albuquerque New Mexico
FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY
Enlace Comunitatrio is a non-profit agency providing services, including direct legal representation in a family law cases, to immigrant victims of domestic violence and is currently seeking a Family Law Attorney. Under direct from the Legal Director, prepares legal research, gives legal advice, provides legal and policy analysis of issues, develops Continuing Legal Education training.
The Family Law Attorney provides civil legal representation to Spanish-speaking victims of domestic violence. Provides legal counsel and advice to clients with diverse socio-econonomic and cultural background. Coordinated legal services with other EC’s team members as well as external agencies.
Required: J.D.; no previous work experience required. Member of NM State Bar. Must be fully bilingual in Spanish and committed to social justice. EOE.
Salary determined upon experience. This is a full-time position. If interested please contact Elizabeth Rourke, PO Box 8919, Albuquerque, NM 87198 or erourke@enlacenm.org .
Application will be accepted until filled.
Click here for a link to the Job Description.
Job Posting: Lutheran Legal Services of New England Spring 2014 Legal Internship Opportunity
Lutheran Social Services (LSS) of New England is a non-profit organization that provides legal services to asylum seekers as well as victims of violent crime, human trafficking, and domestic violence. The program also provides legal assistance to noncitizens with basic immigration applications, such as family petitions, adjustment of status applications, and citizenship applications.
The legal unit is currently seeking a legal intern to assist clients who are applying for immigration relief. The intern will work directly with a staff attorney in the program and have the opportunity to attend client meetings, community presentations, and hearings at Immigration Court whenever possible. The internship is unpaid.
The intern’s duties will include:
- Assisting clients to complete applications/petitions;
- Conducting intake interviews with potential clients;
- Assisting staff attorneys to represent asylum seekers, including: researching country conditions, conducting legal research, drafting affidavits, and interpreting (depending on language proficiency);
- Assisting staff attorneys to prepare VAWA self-petitions, U/T visa applications, and asylum applications.
- Preparing advocacy materials for “know your rights” presentations; and
- Assisting staff with trainings, meetings, and special projects.
Candidates should have the following qualifications:
- Currently enrolled in law school;
- Excellent oral and written communication skills;
- Excellent research skills;
- Foreign language proficiency preferred (especially Spanish); and
- Demonstrated interest in human rights and immigration issues (immigration experience is preferred but not required).
To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and two references with phone numbers to:
Julie Dahlstrom
Lutheran Social Services
51 Union Street, Suite 222
Worcester, MA 01608
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Julie Dahlstrom at (508) 754-1121, ext. 417, or jdahlstrom@lssne.org.
Friday, December 13, 2013
Job Posting: The Capital Punishment Clinic at the University of Texas School of Law invites applications for a two-year, post-graduate fellowship, to begin on September 1, 2014, and run through August 31, 2016.
The fellowship is intended to provide experience in defending capital cases, as well as in supervising law students in a clinical setting. The fellowship is designed for a recent law graduate who plans to pursue a career in capital defense. The Fellow, under the direct supervision of the Clinic faculty, will
Assist in litigating capital cases, including research and writing, investigation and other fact development, and working directly with clients;
Assist Clinic faculty in supervising clinic students;
Assist Clinic faculty in planning and teaching the classroom component of the Clinic;
Take part in planning and presenting Capital Punishment Center events.
Excellent legal research and writing skills;
Prior experience in capital defense (e.g., in an externship or internship with a capital defense office, or with an attorney actively engaged in defending capital cases);
Completion of law courses related to capital defense, such as a death penalty clinic, a course in capital punishment law, or coursework in related areas such as post-conviction remedies or criminal procedure; and,
A demonstrated interest in capital defense and a commitment to pursuing a career in capital and/or criminal defense.
Capital Punishment Clinic students assist clinic faculty in their work on death penalty cases at various stages in the litigation process, including trial, appeal, state and federal post-conviction, and clemency. The work encompasses many tasks that are integral to death penalty defense representation, including visiting clients on death row; interviewing witnesses and conducting field investigations; drafting motions, appellate briefs, and habeas petitions; and assisting attorneys in preparing for trials, evidentiary hearings, and appellate arguments. All student work is closely supervised by clinic faculty. The Capital Punishment Clinic, which has been part of the Clinical Program at UT Law for more than twenty years, is part of the Capital Punishment Center, established in 2006 to promote research and training in death penalty law. The Center sponsors academic events, pursues research projects concerning the administration of the death penalty, particularly in Texas, and assists in training and preparing capital defense attorneys.
More information about the Clinic and Center can be found at: http://www.utexas.edu/law/centers/capitalpunishment/
Please include a letter of interest, a resume or c.v., a writing sample, and the names of three references.
The University of Texas School of Law is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Assist in litigating capital cases, including research and writing, investigation and other fact development, and working directly with clients;
Assist Clinic faculty in supervising clinic students;
Assist Clinic faculty in planning and teaching the classroom component of the Clinic;
Take part in planning and presenting Capital Punishment Center events.
Qualifications:
J.D. degree from an accredited law school and eligibility for admission to practice in at least one state (preferably Texas). The successful candidate need not have received results from the bar examination before applying;Excellent legal research and writing skills;
Prior experience in capital defense (e.g., in an externship or internship with a capital defense office, or with an attorney actively engaged in defending capital cases);
Completion of law courses related to capital defense, such as a death penalty clinic, a course in capital punishment law, or coursework in related areas such as post-conviction remedies or criminal procedure; and,
A demonstrated interest in capital defense and a commitment to pursuing a career in capital and/or criminal defense.
Salary:
$45,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on experience. This position comes with full health benefits.The University of Texas School of Law Capital Punishment Clinic:
Capital Punishment Clinic students assist clinic faculty in their work on death penalty cases at various stages in the litigation process, including trial, appeal, state and federal post-conviction, and clemency. The work encompasses many tasks that are integral to death penalty defense representation, including visiting clients on death row; interviewing witnesses and conducting field investigations; drafting motions, appellate briefs, and habeas petitions; and assisting attorneys in preparing for trials, evidentiary hearings, and appellate arguments. All student work is closely supervised by clinic faculty. The Capital Punishment Clinic, which has been part of the Clinical Program at UT Law for more than twenty years, is part of the Capital Punishment Center, established in 2006 to promote research and training in death penalty law. The Center sponsors academic events, pursues research projects concerning the administration of the death penalty, particularly in Texas, and assists in training and preparing capital defense attorneys.
More information about the Clinic and Center can be found at: http://www.utexas.edu/law/centers/capitalpunishment/
To Apply:
Applications (by email or in hard copy) should be submitted by February 1, 2014, to: Kim Waters, Capital Punishment Clinic, University of Texas School of Law, 727 East Dean Keeton Street, Austin, TX 78705 [(512) 232-6325, kwaters@law.utexas.edu]Please include a letter of interest, a resume or c.v., a writing sample, and the names of three references.
The University of Texas School of Law is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Job Posting: Minneapolis office of Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid (Apply by Dec. 16)
HOMEOWNER/TAX STAFF ATTORNEY
Job Posting
POSITION: The Minneapolis office of Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid (MMLA) seeks a staff attorney with a passion for justice to work with a team enforcing protected-class homeowners’ civil and consumer rights in mortgage foreclosure, contract for deed, anti-scam, and fair housing litigation and protecting taxpayers’ rights in disputes with the IRS.
MMLA provides legal representation to clients with low incomes, disabilities, children, and seniors - supported by funding from the State of Minnesota, the federal government, local governments, the United Way, foundations, local law firms, and corporations, etc. MMLA enjoys a good rapport with, and strong support from, the organized bar. MMLA does not receive funds from the Legal Services Corporation.
RESPONSIBILITIES: The attorney will assist clients in enforcing their rights through advice, negotiation, litigation, and community education. The attorney’s work may also include complex litigation and public policy advocacy relating to fair housing for homeowners.
QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must be licensed in Minnesota or eligible for admission by reciprocity. Applicants must also have:
1) Demonstrated interest in, and commitment to, the needs of low-income/vulnerable clients; and
2) Excellent communication, analytical, and writing skills.
Experience in the specified areas of law, poverty law practice, or equivalent general practice is desirable. Diverse economic, social, and cultural experiences and relevant language skills are pluses. Proficiency using Microsoft Windows and Office is necessary.
SALARY: Up to $46,000 DOE. Benefits include vacation, sick leave, family medical, life, and long-term disability insurance.
STARTING DATE: As soon as possible after position is filled.
APPLICATIONS: Cover letter and resume should be submitted online by December 16, 2013, at: http://bit.ly/100PDwU.
Applications accepted until position is filled. No calls please.
Job Posting
POSITION: The Minneapolis office of Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid (MMLA) seeks a staff attorney with a passion for justice to work with a team enforcing protected-class homeowners’ civil and consumer rights in mortgage foreclosure, contract for deed, anti-scam, and fair housing litigation and protecting taxpayers’ rights in disputes with the IRS.
MMLA provides legal representation to clients with low incomes, disabilities, children, and seniors - supported by funding from the State of Minnesota, the federal government, local governments, the United Way, foundations, local law firms, and corporations, etc. MMLA enjoys a good rapport with, and strong support from, the organized bar. MMLA does not receive funds from the Legal Services Corporation.
RESPONSIBILITIES: The attorney will assist clients in enforcing their rights through advice, negotiation, litigation, and community education. The attorney’s work may also include complex litigation and public policy advocacy relating to fair housing for homeowners.
QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must be licensed in Minnesota or eligible for admission by reciprocity. Applicants must also have:
1) Demonstrated interest in, and commitment to, the needs of low-income/vulnerable clients; and
2) Excellent communication, analytical, and writing skills.
Experience in the specified areas of law, poverty law practice, or equivalent general practice is desirable. Diverse economic, social, and cultural experiences and relevant language skills are pluses. Proficiency using Microsoft Windows and Office is necessary.
SALARY: Up to $46,000 DOE. Benefits include vacation, sick leave, family medical, life, and long-term disability insurance.
STARTING DATE: As soon as possible after position is filled.
APPLICATIONS: Cover letter and resume should be submitted online by December 16, 2013, at: http://bit.ly/100PDwU.
Applications accepted until position is filled. No calls please.
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Job Posting: UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN LAW SCHOOL MICHIGAN CLINICAL LAW FELLOW OPENING:
PEDIATRIC ADVOCACY CLINIC
The University of Michigan Law Clinical Fellows Program seeks applicants for a fellowship in its Pediatric Advocacy Clinic. This is a two year appointment with the possibility of extension for a third year.
The Clinical Fellows Program is designed to allow attorneys to explore the possibility of a career in clinical teaching and fully support them in that endeavor. Michigan Clinical Fellows gain valuable experience and mentoring in clinical pedagogy and in their substantive area of practice. Their duties include clinical teaching and student supervision in conjunction with a clinic director, and participation in the operation and development of the clinic in which they teach. Support is provided for professional development and scholarship.
The Pediatric Advocacy Clinic (PAC) is one of the first medical-legal partnerships in a law school clinical setting. Collaborating with health care providers in and around Ann Arbor, the PAC provides a range of civil legal services to low-income families, with the goal of improving the health and wellbeing of pediatric patients and their families. The caseload consists primarily of education cases, family law/domestic violence cases, and public benefits cases.
The successful applicant will have a minimum of 3 years experience in at least one of PAC’s core areas of practice, a strong interest in clinical teaching, a demonstrated commitment to serving the underserved, and potential for scholarship and success as a clinical teacher. Familiarity with medical-legal partnerships and Spanish language skills are a plus. Candidates must hold a J.D. degree and be eligible for licensure in Michigan. Michigan’s Clinical Fellows salaries and benefits are very competitive. The fellowship begins on July 1, 2014.
Questions can be directed to Associate Dean David Santacroce at dasanta@umich.edu or 734-763-4319. We will begin reviewing applications on December 20, 2013, but will accept applications until the position is filled. Applicants should send a letter of interest and résumé to:
JohnW. Lemmer
Experiential Education Business Administrator
The University of Michigan Law School
701 S. State Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1215
jwlemmer@umich.edu
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity employer.
The University of Michigan Law Clinical Fellows Program seeks applicants for a fellowship in its Pediatric Advocacy Clinic. This is a two year appointment with the possibility of extension for a third year.
The Clinical Fellows Program is designed to allow attorneys to explore the possibility of a career in clinical teaching and fully support them in that endeavor. Michigan Clinical Fellows gain valuable experience and mentoring in clinical pedagogy and in their substantive area of practice. Their duties include clinical teaching and student supervision in conjunction with a clinic director, and participation in the operation and development of the clinic in which they teach. Support is provided for professional development and scholarship.
The Pediatric Advocacy Clinic (PAC) is one of the first medical-legal partnerships in a law school clinical setting. Collaborating with health care providers in and around Ann Arbor, the PAC provides a range of civil legal services to low-income families, with the goal of improving the health and wellbeing of pediatric patients and their families. The caseload consists primarily of education cases, family law/domestic violence cases, and public benefits cases.
The successful applicant will have a minimum of 3 years experience in at least one of PAC’s core areas of practice, a strong interest in clinical teaching, a demonstrated commitment to serving the underserved, and potential for scholarship and success as a clinical teacher. Familiarity with medical-legal partnerships and Spanish language skills are a plus. Candidates must hold a J.D. degree and be eligible for licensure in Michigan. Michigan’s Clinical Fellows salaries and benefits are very competitive. The fellowship begins on July 1, 2014.
Questions can be directed to Associate Dean David Santacroce at dasanta@umich.edu or 734-763-4319. We will begin reviewing applications on December 20, 2013, but will accept applications until the position is filled. Applicants should send a letter of interest and résumé to:
JohnW. Lemmer
Experiential Education Business Administrator
The University of Michigan Law School
701 S. State Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1215
jwlemmer@umich.edu
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity employer.
Job Posting: UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN LAW SCHOOL MICHIGAN CLINICAL LAW FELLOW OPENING:
COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CLINIC
The University of Michigan Law Clinical Fellows Program seeks applicants for a fellowship in its Community and Economic Development Clinic (CEDC). This is a two year appointment with the possibility of extension for a third year.
The Clinical Fellows Program is designed to allow attorneys to explore the possibility of a career in clinical teaching and fully support them in that endeavor. Michigan Clinical Fellows gain valuable experience and mentoring in clinical pedagogy and in their substantive area of practice. Their duties include clinical teaching and student supervision in conjunction with a clinic director, and participation in the operation and development of the clinic in which they teach. Support is provided for professional development and scholarship.
The CEDC provides transactional legal services to nonprofits and community organizations. Students work in transactional, regulatory and strategic capacities on formation and governance of nonprofit and for-profit entities; drafting and negotiating contracts; developing employment and other policies; structuring real estate transactions; and counseling and representing on tax, land use, licensing and other matters. The Clinic currently represents several groups involved in food security and sustainable agriculture, advocating for workers rights and employment opportunities and creating cooperatives. The Clinic, founded in 1991, works primarily in Detroit.
The successful applicant will have a minimum of 3 years experience in at least one of the CEDC’s core areas of practice, a strong interest in clinical teaching, a demonstrated commitment to engage in public interest lawyering through transactional work for nonprofit and community organizations, and potential for scholarship and success as a clinical teacher. Candidates must hold a J.D. degree and be eligible for licensure in Michigan. Michigan’s Clinical Fellows salaries and benefits are very competitive. The fellowship begins on July 1, 2014.
Questions can be directed to Associate Dean David Santacroce at dasanta@umich.edu or 734-763-4319. We will begin reviewing applications on December 20, 2013, but will accept applications until the position is filled. Applicants should send a letter of interest and résumé to:
JohnW. Lemmer
Experiential Education Business Administrator
The University of Michigan Law School
701 S. State Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1215
jwlemmer@umich.edu
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity employer.
Job Posting: Harvard Law School Clinical Advocacy Fellow: International Human Rights Clinic
Duties & Responsibilities
The International Human Rights Clinic gives second and third year law students the opportunity to work on human rights issues with clients and communities facing a broad range of challenges around the world. Through supervised practice, students learn the responsibilities and skills of human rights lawyering. The Clinical Advocacy Fellow is a legally-trained practitioner with experience in human rights. The Fellow will work with clinical supervisors to develop legal projects and manage student teams. Clinical projects include field investigations and advocacy efforts around the world, drafting human rights reports, preparing model legislation, litigation in national and international fora, advocacy and policy initiatives, and negotiating treaty protections to advance human rights.
The Fellow, under the supervision of the Clinical Co-Directors, will oversee several clinical projects and assist in supervising a team of students enrolled in the Clinic in the fall, winter, and spring terms. The Fellow will work closely with a current clinical supervisor or supervisors to develop several projects each term that will expose students to the practical realities of human rights work. The Fellow will participate in regular meetings with a team of students to guide and review their work and advise them on strategic and tactical questions that arise during the course of the clinical projects.
Enthusiasm and interest in student development and training is vital. The Fellow will be required to initiate and cultivate working relationships with non-governmental organizations in the field and to evaluate student work product. The Fellow will collaborate with clinical supervisors in ensuring the quality of student work product.
The Fellow may also be requested to assist in supervising student work during field travel that ordinarily occurs in January and March, as well as at other times throughout the term. This travel will require availability for periods between seven and twenty days.
Basic Qualifications
- Two or more years of experience in human rights.
- A J.D. degree or the equivalent earned within the last 3 years required.
- English fluency is required.
Additional Qualifications
- Significant experience in human rights and language skills relevant to the Fellow’s particular region or thematic areas of expertise are required.
- Fellows must have excellent legal, communication, interpersonal, analytical, writing, and organizational skills.
Additional Information
Applications will be due by January 15, 2014. The Fellowships will begin in August 2014 and is expected to end in July 2016, subject to departmental need and funding. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their application as soon as possible to ensure consideration.
Applications are especially encouraged from human rights attorneys from the Global South, as well as from those interested in developing human rights clinics.
To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, law school transcript, writing sample (no more than 20 pages in length), two letters of recommendation (which may arrive separately or with the application package) and a detailed statement of interest. Due to the expected heavy volume of applications, only those applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.
This is a term appointment currently expected to extend through July 2016, subject to funding and departmental need. All offers to be made by HLS Human Resources.
