2027 Summer Intern - Homelessness Prevention Law Project

Public Counsel•Los Angeles, CA

About The Position

The Homelessness Prevention team at Public Counsel combats the displacement of vulnerable communities in Los Angeles County by keeping individuals and families in stable housing. We achieve this through a community lawyering model that combines direct legal services, education, and outreach spanning the critical intervention points that occur before, during, and after an eviction. We collaborate with other legal services agencies and community-based organizations to advance eviction prevention and protection programs throughout LA County. Our work also includes serving veterans and their families by providing legal representation to veterans and their families to remove barriers to employment and ensure access to benefits, housing, and healthcare. Our summer interns gain hands-on experience in both direct services and outreach.

Requirements

Must be in your first or second year of law school.
Submit a cover letter, resume, and a writing sample, all in PDF form.
Resume must reflect the law school you are currently enrolled in.
Discuss why you are interested in interning with Public Counsel generally and with any subproject in HPLP specifically.
Consider addressing topics of increasing equity and inclusion, lived experiences, and experiences working with clients across a range of settings in your cover letter, especially if not reflected in your resume.

Nice To Haves

We are especially interested in receiving applications from historically underrepresented students consistent with our active, ongoing commitment to increasing equity and inclusion.
We value lived experiences and experiences working with clients across a range of settings.

Responsibilities

Conduct client interviews.
Identify benefits needs and provide day-of advocacy in DPSS offices.
Develop litigation skills by collaborating with paralegals and attorneys throughout all stages of an eviction defense case.
Participate in client phone calls to gather information and documentation.
Draft pleadings and discovery.
Research and draft motions.
Observe court hearings.
Conduct follow-up phone calls to gather information and documents.
Prepare court forms and conduct discovery.
Research and write legal briefs and motions.
Assist with legal clinics.
Evaluate and analyze potential legal claims under the array of tenant protections available.
Conduct legal research.
Draft litigation memos or legal briefs.
Assist with preparing lawsuits for filing.
Conduct client intakes.
Conduct medical records reviews.
Assist with HPLP’s legal clinics.