2027 Summer Intern - Opportunity Under Law Project

Public Counsel•Los Angeles, CA

About The Position

The Opportunity Under Law (OUL) Project, established in 2014, expands Public Counsel’s economic justice and impact litigation practice by bringing community-based impact litigation to eliminate barriers to opportunity. OUL represents individuals and communities facing structural injustice and discrimination in areas such as education, housing, and immigration. Many cases originate from Public Counsel’s direct representation of clients experiencing persistent injustices. By collaborating closely with direct services programs and across subject areas, OUL uniquely positions itself to file impactful cases in California and beyond, work with affected communities, and contribute to public discourse. OUL strategically pursues novel claims to address intersectional issues and achieve landmark victories in areas often considered off-limits for civil rights advocacy. The project offers law students the chance to engage in litigation at various stages, including case development, discovery, settlement, and trial work. Interns will conduct legal research and writing, identify issues, and develop legal theories. They will also participate in legal strategy discussions, gather facts, interview clients, attend mediations, and assist with trial preparation. OUL provides one-on-one mentoring and assists clerks in identifying writing sample projects based on their interests. The project utilizes a law firm model of supervision, requiring clerks to manage multiple cases and attorneys, thereby developing time management skills.

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.
Submit a transcript, if available.
Resume must reflect the law school you are currently enrolled in.
Identify which team(s) you would like to work with in your cover letter.
Discuss why you are interested in interning with Public Counsel generally and with OUL specifically in your cover letter.
Consider addressing historically underrepresented student status, 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

Applications from historically underrepresented students are especially encouraged.
Lived experiences and experiences working with clients across a range of settings are valued.

Responsibilities

Work on litigation at different stages, including case development, discovery, settlement, and trial work.
Conduct legal research and writing, identifying issues and developing legal theories.
Participate in legal strategy discussions.
Gather facts.
Interview clients.
Participate in mediation.
Assist with trial preparation activities.
Receive one-on-one mentoring opportunities with attorneys.
Identify a writing sample project based on interest.
Balance multiple cases while working with different attorneys.
Draft portions of amicus briefs.
Draft letters of guidance to courts and Judicial Counsel.
Assist plaintiffs with enrollment in educational and vocational programs using compensatory education funds.
Conduct legal research to support habeas petitions and responsive briefings.
Draft expert declarations.
Follow policy and local politics news.
Participate in oral argument moot court.
Engage with coalition partners.
Conduct legal research.
Write briefs.
Assist with discovery review.
Prepare exhibits for depositions and trial testimony.
Attend federal trial dates.
Observe in-person depositions and review transcripts to create testimony outlines.
Draft key memoranda on novel legal claims.
Organize and host plaintiff meetings.
Research anti-"CRT" policies throughout the country.
Review compliance with education settlements.
Submit and review FOIA requests.