Summer Law Student Fellowship

Housing Justice Program

Equal Justice Works is the nation’s largest facilitator of Fellowships in public interest law. In the Equal Justice Works Housing Justice Program, lawyers, organizers, and law students work together to advance tenants’ rights and hold bad-actor landlords accountable through direct legal services, education and outreach, impact litigation, and policy advocacy.

Host Site and Location: Charleston Legal Access, Charleston, SC

Description of Fellow Project

The Housing Justice Program summer law student Fellow will assist the Equal Justice Fellow Attorney in implementing and carrying out the Housing Courts in Berkeley and Dorchester Counties. The responsibilities include attending and assisting at Housing Court at the participating magistrate courts in Berkeley and Dorchester Counties; working with participating court clerks’ office to coordinate dockets and obtain necessary pleadings; conduct intakes with tenants appearing at Housing Court and with prospective Housing clients; assist attorneys with case management, client communications, record collection and coordination of client meetings; provide administrative support to attorneys; participate in community outreach programs and clinics as needed; and other duties as assigned. This is a great opportunity for anyone considering a law career in public interest or the nonprofit sector.

About CLA

Charleston Legal Access is a nonprofit, sliding-scale law firm that provides low-cost, quality legal representation to those who do not qualify for free legal aid but cannot afford a private attorney. With a small and dedicated team, CLA also undertakes special projects aimed at increasing access to justice, including language access initiatives and housing court efforts to reduce evictions.

Applicant Qualifications

  • A current law student at an Equal Justice Works member law school, who has completed at least their first year of law school by the start of their summer placement

  • Previous experience working in a legal setting or a nonprofit (preferred)

  • Spanish-speaking applicants are encouraged to applyCollege degree or equivalent preferred

Equal Justice Works Summer Law Student Fellowship Commitments

  • Work collaboratively with Housing Justice Program lawyer and organizer Fellows to prevent evictions and improve housing stability for low-income households in South Carolina

    • Collaborative activities may include shadowing other Fellows, attending meetings, contributing to blogs and newsletters, and participating in listservs and Slack channels

  • Attend Housing Justice Program virtual monthly calls/trainings during 10-week Fellowship

  • Submit a report upon completion of the Fellowship

Details

  • Stipend: Summer law student Fellows will receive a taxable $7,000 stipend for their service

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and transcript to Mary Vosburgh at mary@charlestonlegalaccess.org.

Application Deadline: Until the position is filled

Charleston Legal Access is an equal opportunity employer.
We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture that reflects the rich diversity of the communities we serve. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, familial or veteran status, and we strongly encourage applications from persons of diverse backgrounds.