Fall 2024 Law Clerk, Justice and Equity Team (Remote)
Position
Justice and Equity Team
The Justice and Equity team works to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to learn, grow and pursue the future they envision. We honor and cherish the potential of all children and youth, especially those of color and those with disabilities. Our team’s work seeks to end the school-to-prison pipeline and court fees and fines. Many children and youth appear in juvenile or municipal court due to school-based behaviors that should have been addressed by their schools without court involvement. Ending the criminalization of youth of color and youth with disabilities for normal childhood and adolescent school-based behaviors is necessary to ensure that all children and youth are truly safe. Once young people are involved in juvenile or municipal courts, they can be charged thousands of dollars in fees and fines, including costs for diversion programs, detention, probation supervision, and even a public defender. Because of targeted policing and over-surveillance of Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities, these youth are both overrepresented and over-punished in these courts. As a result, fees and fines perpetuate ongoing and long-lasting racial harm for youth of color and their families.
Position
The Justice and Equity Team seeks one (1) law student volunteer to support projects during fall 2024. Under the mentorship of a supervising attorney, the clerk will learn about and work on projects impacting low-income children and youth.
The National Center for Youth Law is committed to hosting clerks who reflect the racial and cultural diversity of our clients. Students of color, those who will increase the cultural diversity of NCYL, and those with personal experience in our practice areas are strongly encouraged to apply.
Essential Functions and Opportunities
Write legal and/or policy memoranda
Assist in ongoing impact litigation efforts (e.g., reviewing discovery responses, drafting discovery requests, helping with deposition preparation, researching, and drafting motions or pleadings, and contributing to fact/case development by speaking with existing or potential plaintiffs, co-counsel, and/or community partners)
Assist with administrative and legislative policy campaigns
Participate in community partnership work
Qualifications
Third-year law student (3L) as of Fall 2024
Ability to commit 15 hours per week for a minimum of 10 weeks between September and November 2024
Knowledge and understanding of and commitment to NCYL’s mission
Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
At least one year of experience with and/or exposure to at least one of the following: communities of color; low-income communities; child- or youth-centered activities
Demonstrated ability to work independently and complete multiple projects
Excellent communication skills
Physical Requirements
Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Location and Pay
This is an unpaid volunteer position. Volunteers will be able to work remotely. As fall 2024 approaches, NCYL will continue to evaluate whether clerks can complete any portion of the clerkship in person.
How To Apply
Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled or until XXX. Applicants must submit the following:
Résumé (not including GPA);
Cover letter describing your particular interest in working for NCYL and commitment to NCYL’s mission; and
5–7-page writing sample of primary authorship that demonstrates legal analytical skills.
All students are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
The National Center for Youth Law is committed to bringing on clerks who reflect the racial and ethnic diversity of our clients. Applicants who meet the above criteria with lived experience within any of our practice areas, including Black, Indigenous, or other people of color, are strongly encouraged to apply.
It is the policy of NCYL to provide equal employment opportunities to all Applicants (including Employees) regardless of race, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, breastfeeding, national origin, age, abilities/disabilities, neurotypicality, socioeconomic status, veteran status, marital status, prior convictions, or any other protected classifications under federal, state, or local law.
Meet the Team
The Justice and Equity team works to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to learn, grow and pursue the future they envision. Our team’s work seeks to end the school-to-prison pipeline and court fees and fines.
