Summer Law Clerk

TSNE

2d • $22 - $25 • Remote

About The Position

The Network for Public Health Law (networkforphl.org), with the support of its fiscal sponsor, TSNE, is a national organization providing leadership, legal technical assistance and educational resources to help public health practitioners, attorneys, policy makers, researchers, advocates, and communities develop, implement, and enforce laws to solve public health challenges. The Network is a fiscally sponsored organization of TSNE (tsne.org). Law clerks assist attorneys with providing legal technical assistance and developing tools and educational materials on public health law topics, with primary focus areas varying by region/project. The Harm Reduction Legal Project (the Project) Law Clerk will focus on our work addressing legal and policy barriers that impede the establishment and expansion of evidence-based harm reduction measures such as naloxone distribution, syringe access programs, and access to evidence-based substance use disorder treatment. The Project provides guidance and consultation to governmental and nongovernmental organizations as well as impacted individuals to assist them in navigating the often extremely confusing maze of existing laws and regulations that hamper harm reduction initiatives. The Project also creates non-partisan, evidence-based publications and training regarding the state of laws impacting individuals who use drugs, individuals in recovery, and their communities, as well as research regarding the impact of those laws. The position will consist of research, legal analysis, and strategic guidance to a) providers attempting to operate within existing laws and b) advocates seeking to modify or remove legal restrictions on harm reduction initiatives. Law Clerks will have opportunities to hone their legal research and writing skills and will gain experience with communicating legal concepts to non-legal audiences. The Network will also provide projects and opportunities that will build Law Clerks’ general knowledge of public health law and foster connections in the field. By the end of the summer, all Law Clerks will have prepared at least one Law and Policy Insights article for publication on the Network’s website. Law Clerks will have an opportunity to present their article (or other work product of their choice) to Network staff at the end of the summer.

Requirements

• Excellent legal research and writing skills;
• Excellent organizational skills;
• Demonstrated commitment to health equity and social justice;
• Rising 2L and 3L students with a strong interest in harm reduction law and drug policy advocacy are encouraged to apply.
• Law Clerks must have reliable, full-time access to a computer for this position. However, if gaining access to a computer presents an obstacle to employment, the Network will work to support access to necessary equipment.

Nice To Haves

• Individuals with lived experience are particularly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Participate in preparing timely, high-quality, practical, and relevant technical assistance in multiple areas of public health law.
• Assist with the development of practical or scholarly Network resources for public health practitioners, attorneys, policy advocates, and other interested persons.
• Engage in student-focused public health law training and education opportunities, including training sessions provided by Network experts;
• Participate in professional development programming including regular meetings with the Clerk’s assigned supervisor/mentor; one-on-one informational interviews with other Network attorneys; and networking opportunities with fellow Law Clerks.
• Engage with public health and legal experts associated with the Network for Public Health Law and its partners.
• Other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees