Pro Bono Opportunity for University of Maine School of Law Student
About The Position
Pine Tree Legal Assistance (PTLA), Maine’s largest statewide legal aid program, invites University of Maine School of Law students to serve as a pro bono Policy Development Assistant during the first regular session of the 133rd Maine Legislature. The assistant will work with PTLA staff to provide bill tracking, research, and other assistance concerning legislation related to PTLA’s work and the communities it serves. Although PTLA’s funding limits lobbying on pending legislation, staff may provide testimony and information in response to specific requests from Maine legislators about bills concerning housing, family, protection from abuse, consumer rights, and other topics. The project is expected to begin in early January and continue through the end of April; specific start and end dates are negotiable. The assistant is expected to devote 5–10 hours per week. Work may be done remotely or in person, with some visits to the State House in Augusta for hearings and events. PTLA offices are located at 88 Federal Street in Portland and 39 Green Street in Augusta.
Requirements
- Excellent organization skills.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Enrollment as a 1L, 2L, or 3L at the University of Maine School of Law.
Nice To Haves
- Interest in public interest law and policy advocacy.
Responsibilities
- Review and categorize bills.
- Develop and update a bill tracker.
- Monitor bills and alert PTLA staff to upcoming hearings and other developments.
- Observe and summarize public hearings.
- Review and summarize written testimony.
- Assist PTLA staff in responding to requests for information from legislators.
- Research policy developments in other states.
- Participate in Access to Justice Day in February at the State House.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
No Education Listed
