All students selected for an SU2J internship will be recognized as Hon. Dean Christoffel Emerging Leaders. Students selected for fall, spring, and summer internships will receive the designation based on the same qualities and values that reflect Dean's commitment to access to justice, service, professionalism, and leadership.

Students selected as Hon. Dean Christoffel Emerging Leaders will be chosen based on the following qualities:

· Demonstrates a deep commitment to expanding access to justice.

· Upholds the highest standards of professionalism.

· Approaches challenges with creativity and determination.

· Seeks innovative solutions to barriers to justice rather than being constrained by conventional methods or obstacles.

· Brings excellence, enthusiasm, and genuine joy to their work.

Emerging Leaders will be recognized at SU2J's annual event, where students selected during the preceding year will be recognized for their contributions and commitment to SU2J's mission. Depending on available funding, SU2J may also provide a small financial stipend to each selected student to help offset educational expenses. Any stipend shall not exceed $200 per student.

The Emerging Leaders program creates an opportunity for SU2J to invest in the next generation of leaders while honoring Dean's enduring commitment to access to justice.

Relatives of current Step Up to Justice staff or board members are not eligible to apply for the Hon. Dean Christoffel Emerging Leaders program.

SU2J seeks students to assist with initial client intakes. Working under the supervision of an SU2J staff attorney, students speak with applicants by phone to determine whether they are eligible to receive services from SU2J. Students conduct conflict-of-interest checks, determine financial and asset eligibility, and conduct initial applicant interviews to gather information about the applicant and their legal matter.

This work provides an excellent opportunity for students to develop and strengthen client interviewing, communication, and problem-solving skills while gaining firsthand experience working with individuals and families facing civil legal challenges.

In addition to conducting intakes, students may have opportunities to assist SU2J's volunteer attorneys with a variety of self-help clinics and other community legal education activities.

Students interested in interning with SU2J should have a passion for social justice and issues affecting people living in poverty, as well as sensitivity to working with people from diverse backgrounds. Special consideration will be given to students who have demonstrated a commitment to serving low-income or disadvantaged communities.

Students who speak Spanish are encouraged to apply.

SU2J also gives preference to students who can commit to more than one semester.

SU2J accepts applications three times each year:

Fall Internship: Applications due May 15

Spring Internship: Applications due October 15

Summer Internship: Applications due February 15

Please note: Students selected for internships during any semester will be recognized as Hon. Dean Christoffel Emerging Leaders.

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and three references to Melissa Spiller-Shiner at mspillershiner@stepuptojustice.org.

In Your Cover Letter

Please describe how your experiences, accomplishments, interests, and perspectives demonstrate the qualities that SU2J values in its student interns. We are particularly interested in learning about your:

· Commitment to expanding access to justice and serving low-income or disadvantaged communities;

· Professionalism, integrity, and commitment to excellence;

· Creativity and determination when facing challenges;

· Ability to identify barriers and think innovatively about solutions;

· Enthusiasm, initiative, and genuine commitment to the work; and

· Personal experiences, perspectives, or qualities that you believe would allow you to make a meaningful contribution to SU2J and the communities we serve.

Please provide specific examples from your academic, professional, volunteer, or personal experiences that illustrate these qualities.

These qualities are important to SU2J in selecting all student interns and form the basis for recognizing each selected student as an Hon. Dean Christoffel Emerging Leader.

We look forward to learning more about you and your interest in serving our community and expanding access to justice.