SDVLP Law Student Fellowship : Shriver Program

San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program•San Diego, CA

4d•$25 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program (SDVLP) is seeking motivated law students for a full-time paid summer fellowship within its Shriver Custody and Domestic Violence Program. 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. 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. ABOUT THE SHRIVER PROGRAM SDVLP’s Shriver Program provides legal assistance to self-represented litigants in family law custody and domestic violence matters. Through a combination of staff support and volunteer attorney involvement, the program’s purpose is to increase access to the courts by supporting litigants who would otherwise navigate these complex cases without legal help. ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES This is an eight-week full-time fellowship (37.5 hours per week). Fellows will work under the supervision of SDVLP attorneys and may assist with: 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

Requirements

Current law student
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Interest in working with diverse, underserved communities
Ability to work in SDVLP’s San Diego downtown office 5 days per week for 37.5 hours per week