The Florida Justice Institute ("FJI"), a small public interest law firm, seeks rising third year law students to recommend to a private foundation to receive a public interest law fellowship to work at the Institute during the 2010 summer. The position is full-time and pays $7,000 for 11 weeks. FJI is a statewide, public interest law firm providing civil legal services to persons in prisons and jails, to victims of housing discrimination, civil rights and civil liberties trials and appeals, and handling class action, impact work on behalf of low-income persons. Since the bulk of FJI's work is in federal court, there is a considerable amount of written legal pleading and practice work. The Fellow will be exposed to all phases of federal practice starting from client interviews, public records requests, substantial research projects, depositions, discovery tours of prisons and jails, hearings, mediations, trials and oral arguments as they may occur throughout the summer. The Fellow will receive direct supervision, assignments, direction and feedback from the assigning attorney. There would be a two day introductory course on public interest legal representation prior to beginning work. The Institute has three full-time attorneys to supervise the Fellow. The Institute handles cases statewide, so there may be some travel involved. There is also a seminar weekend with other public interest lawyers, usually held in Key West.
Additional Qualifications:
Rising third-year law students at accredited law schools are eligible to apply provided they are in good standing. Minority students are specifically encouraged to apply. Among the factors to be considered in selections are experience in working with the low-income community, academic achievement, writing skills, and previous contact with and long-term commitment/interest in public service/pro bono work. The fellowship commences with a training and orientation seminar to be held May 20 and 21, 2010. Housing, meals and reasonable travel expenses for the seminar will be provided. Fellows are scheduled to report to work on Monday, May 24, 2010, with the fellowship ending Friday, August 6, 2010.
How to Apply:
Applicants should send their resume and a cover letter of interest by e-mail to Jessica M. Pla at Florida Justice Institute. The deadline for applying is December 1, 2009. The Institute will in turn recommend two applicants to the private foundation for serious consideration for the fellowship. Those selected will have to complete a two-page application for the foundation. The Institute will notify the persons selected by January 8, 2010. Applications will be e-mailed to the persons selected, and will need to be returned by January 21, 2010. Selection and notification to students will be completed by late February 2010. E-mail cover letter and resume to JPla@FloridaJusticeInstitute.org. No telephone calls please.