Fall 2024 Law Clerks, Youth Justice Team (Remote)
Position
Youth Justice Team
NCYL’s Youth Justice Team (YJT) is committed to ending the dehumanizing, punitive, and harmful practices of the juvenile and criminal justice systems. YJT is grounded in the lived experience of youth and families directly impacted by the justice system. Our team of attorneys, policy advocates, and community organizers come to this work from a variety of backgrounds that reflect the communities we serve: individuals who have been formerly incarcerated and system impacted, are from low-income backgrounds, and represent diversity in race, ethnicity, and national origin.
We work at the state and local levels to create an equitable, trauma-informed, gender responsive, youth- and family-centered justice system that values community and is aligned with positive youth development principles. We employ grassroots organizing, leadership development, and policy reform strategies that:
Eliminate the prosecution and incarceration of minors in the criminal justice system.
Reduce reliance on youth incarceration and formal juvenile justice system involvement.
End the overrepresentation of youth of color in the juvenile justice system.
Develop and resource alternatives to system involvement for youth.
Build community capacity to advocate for and deliver culturally and developmentally appropriate services to support positive youth development and community health.
Position
NCYL seeks two (2) law student volunteers during the fall of 2024 to support NCYL’s Youth Justice work focused on projects impacting historically marginalized children and youth.
One clerk will focus on regions including the Central Valley and Inland Empire of California.
The other clerk will focus on Colorado, particularly several regions with high rates of arrest and racial and ethnic disproportionality at every level of the juvenile justice system.
Essential Functions
Perform legal research on youth law and policy.
Analyze and interpret data related to juvenile justice, education, and child welfare systems.
Research local youth justice issues and potential solutions and incorporate findings into strategy plans.
Develop and update trainings and technical assistance tools, including infographics, for youth, community-based organizations, and system stakeholders on youth law and policy, effective local policy implementation, local and statewide advocacy campaigns, and budget advocacy for local health-based investments as alternatives to youth incarceration.
Participate in state and local coalitions and provide technical assistance to community partners.
Qualifications
Second year (2L) or third year (3L) law student as of Fall 2024
Ability to commit a minimum of 12-15 hours per week from approximately August through December 2024
Demonstrated understanding of NCYL’s mission and commitment to advocating for children and youth
Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
At least one year of experience with 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 interns can complete any portion of the internship in person.
How To Apply
Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled or until June 3, 2024. 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
NCYL’s Youth Justice Team (YJT) is committed to ending the dehumanizing, punitive, and harmful practices of the juvenile and criminal justice systems.We work at the state and local levels to create an equitable, trauma-informed, gender responsive, youth- and family-centered justice system that values community and is aligned with positive youth development principles. We employ grassroots organizing, leadership development, and policy reform strategies.
