SDVLP Law Student Fellowship : Shriver Program

Description

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.

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.

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.

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
• 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

This is a full-time position requiring the ability to work in SDVLP’s San Diego downtown office 5 days per week for 37.5 hours per week.

Law students selected for this fellowship will be hired as seasonal temporary employees of San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program for the duration of the eight-week fellowship.

Pay: $25/hour

• Current law student
• Preference for students who have completed their 2L year
• Demonstrated commitment to public interest or public law
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Interest in working with diverse, underserved communities