Summer Associate - Legal

Alliance for Justice is a national association of over 100 organizations, representing a broad array of groups committed to progressive values and the creation of an equitable, just, and free society. AFJ works to ensure that the federal judiciary advances core constitutional values, preserves human rights and unfettered access to the courts, and adheres to the even-handed administration of justice for all Americans. It is the leading expert on the legal framework for nonprofit advocacy efforts, providing definitive information, resources, and technical assistance that encourages organizations and their funding partners to fully exercise their right to be active participants in the democratic process.

 

The Alliance for Justice is seeking law school student applicants for paid and self-funded positions in the summer of 2012.  Summer Associates are expected to work full time (40 hours) over the course of a ten week period. 

Alliance for Justice is a national association of more than 100 organizations dedicated to advancing justice and democracy.  For more than 30 years we have been leaders in the fight for a more equitable society on behalf of a broad constituency of environmental, consumer, civil and women’s rights, children’s, senior citizens’ and other groups. Alliance for Justice is premised on the belief that all Americans have the right to secure justice in the courts and to have our voice heard when government makes decisions that affect our lives.

The Alliance’s 2012 Summer Associates would work primarily for our Judicial Selection Project and for our Corporate Court campaign, but will also work on a variety of other Access to Justice issues. 

Through its Judicial Selection Project, Alliance for Justice vets nominees to the federal judiciary, working closely with Senate offices, the White House, and the U.S. Department of Justice.  The Judicial Selection Project also engages in substantial education of the public and the press to ensure that only fair, qualified, individuals committed to social justice are confirmed. 

Through its Corporate Court Campaign, Alliance for Justice analyzes and comments on Supreme Court decisions that may benefit powerful corporate interests at the expense of everyday Americans.  Under the leadership of Chief Justice John Roberts, the Court has radically rewritten laws in order to shield big business from liability, insulate corporate interests from environmental and antitrust regulation, make it easier for companies to discriminate against women and the elderly, and enable powerful interests to flood our election process with special interest dollars.

Role and Responsibilities:

• Monitor, analyze, and write about Supreme Court and lower federal court cases.
• Advocate for legislation related to access to justice issues.
• Monitor federal judicial nominations. 
• Conduct comprehensive research analyzing nominees’ records and then draft reports for the press, the public, and the Senate, and the White House.
• Attend Senate Judiciary Committee hearings, executive committee sessions, and votes.
• Attend weekly meetings of the Coalition for a Fair and Independent Judiciary.
• Conduct research and analysis related to a broad array of public interest law issues.
• Work with Communications and Development teams to draft press releases, blog posts, and web content.
• Perform other duties as necessary.


Qualifications:

• Current law student.
• Excellent research, writing, and oral communications skills.
• Ability to analyze and clearly explain concepts of law and public policy.
• An interest in federal appellate law and the federal judiciary.
• Experience in advocacy and/or political work. 
• A demonstrated commitment to the public interest.
• Applicants must be able to work 40 hours per week. 

Application Deadline:

February 18, 2012, but we will hire for some of the positions on a rolling basis before then, so applying earlier is recommended. Applicants should submit a cover letter explaining their interest in working for Alliance for Justice; a resume; a writing sample; a transcript; and a list of three references. To apply by mail, send to Alliance for Justice, Attn: Summer Associate Position, 11 Dupont Circle NW, 2^nd Floor, Washington, DC 20036.

To apply online, click the button below to submit materials.

AFJ is an equal opportunity employer.

 

 

If you have difficulty with the online application, materials may be submitted via email to alliance@afj.org. Please include the job title in the subject line of the email.