Volunteer Law Student Positions
For more than 40 years, the National Center for Law and Economic Justice has advanced the cause of economic justice for low-income families, individuals, and communities through impact litigation, policy analysis, and advocacy in New York and across the country. NCLEJ litigated and still enforces Goldberg v. Kelly, 397 U.S. 254 (1970), the landmark Supreme Court case securing the due process right to a hearing before termination of public assistance. Other Supreme Court cases include King v. Smith, 392 U.S. 309 (1968) (striking down "man-in-the-house" rules); and Califano v. Westcott, 433 U.S. 76 (1979) (barring sex discrimination in welfare programs).
In recent years, NCLEJ has launched projects addressing a wide range of issues in the provision of food stamps, Medicaid, cash assistance, subsidized child care, and other crucial public benefits, including: the unfair treatment of persons with disabilities and persons with limited English proficiency; the enforcement of civil rights and due process protections; and problems associated with privatization and computerization.
Position Description and Qualifications: Students will work with staff attorneys to support ongoing impact litigation, policy analysis, and advocacy. In recent years, students have had the opportunity to assist with fact development and research for new litigation; discovery matters in pending litigation; legal and policy research on a variety of public benefits and issues relating to federal court litigation; and collaborations with organizations based in low-income communities.
Excellent writing and research skills are essential. NCLEJ can provide matching funds for work-study and supports students seeking academic credit. NCLEJ also supports students to whom it has offered a position in seeking funding from outside sources, such as Equal Justice America, www.equaljusticeamerica.org.
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.
How to Apply: Send a resume, list of references, and short writing sample to student (at) nclej.org, or by mail to: National Center for Law and Economic Justice, 275 Seventh Avenue, Suite 1506, New York, NY 10001-6708. We will contact you if we wish to schedule an interview.
