 
  
Deborah T. Poritz Summer Public Interest Legal Fellowship Application (You will need Adobe Reader to view the intern program application. If you do not have it, you can download it for free from Adobe's site.)
Legal Services of New Jersey (LSNJ) will sponsor once again a paid intern program during the summer of 2009, awarding summer intern fellowships in New Jersey public interest legal organizations to rising 2nd and 3rd year law students. The purpose of this program is to promote awareness of and commitment to careers in public interest law by offering rewarding employment opportunities to law students. In past years, students have been employed in Legal Services programs as well as other public interest entities, such as the Association for Children of New Jersey, the American Friends Service Committee, Community Health Law Project, and Jersey Battered Women's Service. Students placed in this summer program gain experience in a wide variety of legal issues. While specific responsibilities vary considerably according to individual placement, the range of activities typically includes client interviewing, legal and factual research, drafting legal documents, administrative agency appearances and, for students who have completed two years of law school, court appearances and more significant case involvement. Fellows interested in policy and research have participated in client needs assessment studies and the investigation of the rights of children; helped to draft pleadings on major litigation; and conducted research in the areas of education, civil rights, welfare policy and public and private housing. 2008 Interns were paid at a rate of $550 per week for rising 2nd year students and $750 per week for rising 3rd year students. Placements are typically for a 10 week period, but frequently can be extended. All interns will participate in a multi-day orientation in late May, at least one mid-summer event (usually a meeting with the Chief Justice) and a closing luncheon to recap the summer and discuss public interest opportunities. The program is competitive and particularly seeks people who have demonstrated their commitment to helping the disadvantaged through their prior work, extracurricular activities during school, and volunteer efforts. Grades, honors and personal achievements are also important. Rising 3rd year law students are given some priority, due to a special New Jersey Court rule under which students employed by Legal Services offices and other legal aid programs may be certified to appear in a number of State courts. Outstanding rising 2nd year students will also be considered. To apply, you must complete a Deborah T. Poritz Summer Public Interest Legal Fellowship application. All applications will be considered in the order in which they are received and hiring decisions will be made on a rolling basis, starting in the fall of 2008. Interested students are therefore strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible. Applications may be submitted electronically, by facsimile or via US Mail. Copyright ©
Legal Services of New Jersey.
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