Seeking Fellowship Candidates to Sponsor for September 2009
The National Center for Law and Economic Justice, a national law and policy organization, advances the cause of economic justice for low-income families, individuals, and communities. The Center has provided legal representation and advice to low-income individuals and grassroots organizations and legal support for their advocates on economic justice matters since 1965, and is involved in ground-breaking, successful litigation and policy work around the country today.
The Center is interested in sponsoring new projects that address such issues as unfair treatment of persons with disabilities, the enforcement of critical civil rights and due process protections in the Food Stamp, Medicaid and welfare programs, and the protection of low wage workers. Fellows have helped get a number of similar projects off the ground in recent years.
We now seek energetic, motivated candidates with a record of commitment to social justice work, experience in developing and implementing projects, and excellent writing, legal research and communication skills, to apply for Center sponsorship for applications for Skadden and Equal Justice Works fellowships. We also welcome applications from individuals who are eligible for any other relevant fellowships, such as those connected to specific schools or organizations, and are interested in the Center’s sponsorship. A public policy background would be helpful, but is not required. Applicants should be prepared to satisfy bar admission requirements.
The Center welcomes applications describing possible projects that fit within the Center’s mission and areas of work as described above. We also welcome applications from individuals who have not themselves formulated a project; if we select the applicant we will work with that person to develop a project in an area where interesting new work is emerging, such as:
1. Protecting the rights of persons with disabilities. As the welfare rolls shrink, a large proportion of those remaining (or those who should qualify for benefits but do not) are persons with disabilities. Much can be done to provide accommodations and remove barriers so those persons can receive the benefits they need and can participate in education and training programs.
2. Addressing the challenges of efforts to privatize and modernize public benefits programs. More and more public functions are being contracted out to private entities. Advocacy is needed to assure that private programs using public funds are accountable to the public and work for the benefit of those in need. States are also turning to technology enhancements, including on-line applications, call centers and new computer systems, to modernize public benefits administration. Advocacy is needed to assure that these systems operate properly and promote, rather than deter, access to benefits.
3. Promoting access to child care and educational opportunities. While child care and education may be essential for low-income parents seeking to enter or remain in the workforce and earn sufficient income to provide for their families, child care subsidy programs often place barriers in their way and educational opportunities are blocked. There is much that can be accomplished by creative and persistent advocacy.
4. Reaching persons in deepest poverty. More and more individuals and families have become disconnected from both employment and income supports as the result of current policies and economic conditions, causing the number of people living below half of the poverty line to grow. The Fellow will work with NCLEJ staff and advocates around the country to develop strategies to reduce the numbers of those in deep poverty.
5. Promoting access to critical work supports through workforce development programs. Many individuals in critical need of skills development and training in order to obtain sustainable-wage jobs are disconnected from crucial work supports (such as Food Stamps and Medicaid) that can help them achieve economic security as they become better prepared to achieve their employment goals. Often, there is no meaningful cooperation between workforce development programs and public benefit systems. The Fellow will work with advocates throughout New York City to protect individuals' access to effective skills development and training services and critical work supports.
6. Promoting access to Food Stamps for the working poor. In October 2006, the United States Department of Agriculture released data illustrating that the participation rates for the Food Stamp program were well below a satisfactory level (nationally at 50%). The Fellow will develop a project addressing the reasons behind these saddening statistics and work to increase access to Food Stamps through creative and persistent advocacy.
7. Increasing access to health care. As Presidential candidates attempt to define the future of health care in the United States, States continue to experiment with both expanding and narrowing coverage, limiting services, and information technology solutions within the public health care system. The Fellow will develop a project that incorporates working with advocates around the country to develop strategies and litigation to maintain and increase access to health care in the face of this changing landscape.
Projects can be national or regional in scope, or focused on the New York City area, and can include impact litigation, legal and policy advocacy, training and community education. Direct service projects involving extensive client intake, individual representation, or hot-lines will not be considered.
The Center welcomes inquiries from law students entering their third year or recent graduates who would like to discuss developing a project. Please note that both Skadden and Equal Justice Works have specific eligibility criteria, and refer to the respective websites for further information.
NCLEJ is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate because of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital or family status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other consideration prohibited by law. Persons who are of color, are former recipients of public assistance, or have grown up in poverty are especially encouraged to apply.
Please submit (1) a cover letter setting out why you believe you would be a good candidate for such a fellowship, and your ideas about what you would hope to accomplish in such a fellowship, (2) a resume, (3) a writing sample, and (4) three references. Send these materials by e-mail to fellowship (at) nclej.org or by mail to Fellowship Applications, National Center for Law and Economic Justice, 275 Seventh Avenue, Suite 1506, New York NY 10001-6708. Your application will be acknowledged by e-mail.
