Legal Internships with NSCLC

Why Would a Law Student Want to Work at the National Senior Citizens Law Center?

• --You'll be doing important work that benefits older Americans across the country.
• --You'll receive helpful feedback on research and writing skills.
• --You'll get a good introduction to public interest work.

Here's what our past interns had to say:

“I got a great feel for the subject matter, constantly reading current cases in the field, and developing my writing skills.  Also, this is a great way for those interested in public interest law to learn what the field is all about.  The casual, weekly lunch sessions gave a broad perspective on many areas of public interest law, especially since all the attorneys discussed their own paths as attorneys.  Everyone was more than willing to openly discuss their life trajectories, giving great perspective to those trying to figure out their own path as an attorney.  Everyone in the office is very welcoming, the environment is incredibly friendly, and the people are great to work with.” 

--Law Clerk, Summer 2008, Southwestern Law School.

“Working for the NSCLC in Los Angeles was a perfect choice.  I am indebted to staff attorneys Eric and Jerry for the personal attention I received.  They are the best people to work with, and they always put in the extra effort to engage me in pending litigation or to improve my research and writing skills.” 

--Law Clerk, Summer 2008, University of Michigan Law School.

“Working at NSCLC was an extremely positive and rewarding experience.  I was entrusted with drafting summaries for publication in the NSCLC Long-Term Care Law Reporter where I was able to continue developing my legal reasoning and writing skills.  I also had a chance to do legal research for a pending law suit, and draft a memorandum on the subject.  The supervision level is the best of both worlds because you get a fair amount of independence and flexibility in managing your time and work load, but at the same time the managing attorneys are always there with suggestions on how to improve your work product.  Further, the office organized a brown bag series once a week where I was able to get advice on everything from summer jobs, to school, and to future career paths.  I would recommend this position to anyone.  It doesn’t matter what field of law you are interested in -- you will leave the office a better student and a better candidate for any future legal career.” 

--Law Clerk, Summer 2008, Loyola Law School.

The National Senior Citizens Law Center (NSCLC), with offices in Oakland and Los Angeles, California, and Washington, D.C., is at the forefront of efforts to obtain justice for America’s low-income elders and people with disabilities, with a special emphasis on problems affecting people of color and women. National and state advocacy efforts focus on access to health care, income support, long-term care, and access to the courts to enforce federal rights. In addition, NSCLC continues ongoing technical assistance and training for attorneys and other advocates nationwide in a variety of subject areas including health care reform, Medicaid, long-term care, Social Security and SSI. NSCLC also publishes the NSCLC Washington Weekly, periodic E-Alerts, and bi-monthly Medicare Part D Alerts.  More information is available at www.nsclc.org.  

D.C. Office: The student selected will have a chance to be involved firsthand in significant policy developments, and potentially litigation developments. Areas of the student’s focus will be the impact of health care reform on older adults and persons with disabilities and the work of NSCLC’s Federal Rights Project.

How our health care system can deliver necessary long term supports and services (LTSS) to older adults and persons with disabilities now and in the future is a critical question being addressed by the federal government and state governments alike. The student will assist NSCLC attorneys in tracking developments in different states that impact access to LTSS and monitoring the role of LTSS in the upcoming debates on health reform.

The Federal Rights Project works to defend and advance the enforcement of important individual legal rights and the availability of judicial remedies. FRP provides information, training and technical assistance to public interest attorneys; produces legal and policy research; writes amicus briefs; and engages in public education and policy advocacy. The law clerk will assist FRP attorneys with legal and policy research and analysis related to all areas of the Project’s work.

Oakland Office:  As in the D.C. office, the student selected will be able to work firsthand on national policy developments in arenas such as Medicare Part D, home and community based services, Medicaid/Medi-Cal, SSI and language access.  The student may also have opportunities to work on ongoing litigation, including our California IHSS and Adult Day Health Care cases. The Oakland office is staffed by 4 attorneys and a legal assistant.

Los Angeles Office: Work in the Los Angeles office generally focuses on Medicaid, Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and various aspects of long-term care (whether provided in the home or in a nursing home or assisted living facility).  As is true in all NSCLC offices, the work is a combination of litigation, administrative advocacy, education, and other activities.  The student will have an opportunity to do a significant amount of writing, with edits and comments provided by NSCLC attorneys.

Law Students Needed: NSCLC seeks a diverse selection of highly motivated law students to work in its three offices.  For the summer of 2010, a limited number of $5000 stipends are available.  Students are also strongly encouraged to seek funding from law schools and public interest funds where possible.

Qualifications: Candidates should have excellent research and writing skills, a genuine and documented interest in working for the disadvantaged, and an ability to take the initiative and work independently.  Second year students are given priority, particularly if they may have an interest in seeking a fellowship with NSCLC post-graduation; outstanding first year students with a public interest track record are also encouraged to apply. Individuals with ties to low-income, racial/ethnic minority communities, and other underserved populations are encouraged to apply.

Applications: Please send a cover letter, resume, writing sample, transcript and three references to:

Hiring Administrator

NSCLC

1330 Broadway, Suite 525

Oakland, CA 94612

or email oakland@nsclc.org.  E-mail submission is preferred.  Please indicate which office or offices you would like to work at.  If you may be eligible for work-study funds, school-funded grants, and/or academic year clerkships, please let us know.  No calls please.