2026 Legal Aid Leaders Fellowship
About The Position
San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program (SDVLP) is seeking motivated law students for a full-time paid summer fellowship. The fellowship is designed to provide meaningful, hands-on public interest experience while offering students an understanding of SDVLP’s pro bono model for delivering legal services. Law students will be expected to complete a capstone project during their fellowship. The project is intended to deepen the fellow’s understanding of SDVLP’s pro bono-based approach to delivering legal services through volunteer attorneys, contribute meaningfully to SDVLP’s programs, and advance access to justice for clients. Participating law students will join Change Lawyers’ cohorts of fellows and be able to participate in workshops, training, and networking opportunities to support their professional and career development. As part of this program, fellows must complete two surveys to share their expectations and experiences during the fellowship. ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION Since 1983, San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program, Inc. (SDVLP), the county’s oldest and most comprehensive pro bono legal services program, has changed the lives of thousands of indigent and other disadvantaged people, by providing equal access to the justice system. SDVLP’s unique service model serves as a bridge between indigent and other disadvantaged people in San Diego County and the volunteer lawyers and others who are willing to donate their time and resources. SDVLP provides services in many areas of law. Applicants are encouraged to review our programs on our website at www.sdvlp.org to identify the area or program they are most interested in working with.
Requirements
- Current law student
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Interest in working with diverse, underserved communities
Nice To Haves
- Preference for students who have completed their 2L year
- Demonstrated commitment to public interest or public law
Responsibilities
- Supporting volunteer attorneys in their casework
- Volunteer attorney recruitment and engagement efforts
- Assist with volunteer attorney recruitment and engagement efforts
- Client intake and interviews
- Legal research and writing
- Drafting pleadings and declarations
- Preparing cases for hearings
- Observing court proceedings
- Participating in legal clinics and community outreach
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
No Education Listed
Number of Employees
11-50 employees
