The Rural Summer Legal Corps program connects public interest law students with civil legal aid organizations to address pressing legal issues facing rural communities.

To prepare for the 2018 program, Equal Justice Works and Legal Services Corporation are actively recruiting students to fill 30 exciting positions nationwide. Selected participants will begin the summer with intensive training from poverty law experts on housing, domestic violence, public benefits, migrant farmworkers, Native American, and family law.  After the training, the law students will return directly to their host site to continue their 8-10 week placement.

Selected candidates will work with a host organization in a rural location over the summer providing legal services to underserved and low-income individuals. Participants will develop valuable skills and gain hands-on training through direct involvement with results-driven community projects. Students will receive a $5,000 stipend for their service.

Eligibility

All applicants must:

• Attend an accredited law school.
• Complete their first or second year of law school by the start of their summer placement.
• Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or lawful permanent resident (e.g., green card).
• Pass a criminal background check. Applicants are not disqualified for most criminal records.
• Possess a valid driver’s license and access to adequate transportation during summer placement.

Funding

Participants will receive a $5,000 stipend for their service. Students have the option to apply for unlimited additional outside funding through their university or other sources.

Program Participant Expectations

• Attend a three-day training seminar in Washington, D.C.
• Complete 300 hours of service within an 8-10 week period
• Comply with criminal background check process.
• Complete all required program reporting and documentation.

Housing and Transportation

It is the participant’s responsibility to obtain housing and ensure adequate transportation throughout the summer placement. Legal Aid Providers will provide general information, however, it is not the responsibility of the legal aid provider (host organization) to provide direct housing or transportation assistance.

Application Deadline: February 11, 2018 at 11:59:59 p.m. EST

Questions

If you have questions about Rural Summer Legal Corps, please review this website and our Frequently Asked Questions or send an email to ruralcorps@equaljusticeworks.org.

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