SU2J seeks law students to assist with initial client intakes. Students, supervised by an SU2J staff attorney, speak with applicants by phone to determine whether applicants 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 facts about the applicant’s case. This work is a great opportunity for students seeking to develop their client interview skills.

In addition to conducting intakes, law students may also help SU2J’s volunteer attorneys conduct the various self-help clinics that occur in SU2J’s office on a daily basis.

Law students interested in volunteering must possess a passion for social justice and poverty related issues, as well as sensitivity to working with people from diverse backgrounds. Special consideration will be given to students who have a demonstrated 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. There are three ways in which students may participate in SU2J activities:  students may volunteer their time; they may elect to receive academic credit for their work; or they may seek funding through their law school or other entity to support their work at SU2J. 

APPLICATION DEADLINES

Due to the number of interested applicants, SU2J accepts law clerk applications three times a year:

Fall:  Applications due May 15

Spring:  Applications due October 15

Summer:  Applications due February 15

TO APPLY

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

* In your cover letter, please address the following:

SU2J’s clients are low-income members of our communities. They include the working poor, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities. To ensure our organization is best serving these populations, SU2J strives to promote behaviors and attitudes amongst our staff, as well as policies that enable us to work effectively with clients, with our coworkers, and with the community. We are committed to enhancing the provision of our services to all clients; to raise the level of positive client outcomes; and to create an inclusive and respectful workplace.

How do you think your personal background or experiences, professional or otherwise, have prepared you to contribute to our commitment to our clients?  Feel free to think broadly about your response to this question, applying various aspects of your life and personal experiences.