The Hampden County Bar Association Legal Clinic (HCLC) is seeking to host a recent law school graduate for an Equal Justice Works Fellowship beginning in September 2020. This is an exciting new opportunity for a candidate who is interested in helping to improve access to justice for underserved individuals and their families in the Pioneer Valley.
The HCLC is open to having our Fellow focus their project in one of two practice areas: Housing or Consumer Debt. Candidates should work with HCLC staff to propose a project that is based on the needs of our organization and the community we serve. We envision that a Housing project could center on holistically addressing the interrelated poverty-based issues (including economic hardships and health problems) disproportionately affecting people of color, women, and children with eviction matters. A Consumer Debt project could focus on helping HCLC clients improve their financial resilience by connecting consumers to the resources they need to develop financial literacy and stability.
We welcome applicants who bring a variety of perspectives, lived experiences, and competencies. People of color, women, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ persons are encouraged to apply.
About the HCLC
The HCLC is an award-winning, nationally-recognized pro bono program in the heart of Springfield, Massachusetts. It operates as a programmatic arm of the Hampden County Bar Association. Our mission is to continually improve access to justice for the underserved in Hampden County through volunteer efforts of legal professionals.
Our goal is to be a pro bono program of the highest caliber—one that partners with others to successfully leverage resources and relationships to fill the justice gaps in our community. We envision working to meet the legal needs of our clients holistically, as access to justice issues are often rooted in overlapping essential needs such as safe housing, protection from domestic abuse, and freedom from financial debt. We believe that the pro bono services model we have created and continue to refine can be replicated successfully in other mid-size cities where innovative pro bono programs have not yet taken shape.
Qualifications
• JD anticipated by May 2020, recent law graduate, or experienced attorney seeking to make a career change to public interest work.
• Strong foundation in research, writing, and oral communication.
• Knowledge of Landlord/Tenant Housing Law, Consumer Debt, Collections, and/or poverty law is preferred, but not required.
• Experience and/or interest in community outreach and direct service.
• Strong sense of professionalism, including ability to manage multiple deadlines, strong work ethic, and commitment to see assignments completed thoroughly and timely; flexibility to pitch in when needed; and willingness to learn new skills and improve existing skills.
• Fluency in Spanish preferred.
Candidates should send a cover letter describing a brief outline of the project they are proposing along with interests and experience, a resume, list of three references, and a writing sample in a single PDF to [email protected]. In your cover letter, please let us know how you heard of this position. Applications will be accepted until September 10, 2019.