New York Lawyers for the Public Interest (NYLPI) seeks a student to work as an Intern in its Pro Bono Clearinghouse for the Fall 2013 semester.
The Organization
NYLPI is a nonprofit, civil rights law firm that strives for social justice. In partnership with member law firms, corporate law departments, and other organizations, NYLPI helps underrepresented people develop legal strategies to serve their vision for themselves and their communities. Created in 1976 to address unmet legal needs, NYLPI combines a pro bono clearinghouse with an in-house practice that blends innovative lawyering, community organizing, and advocacy.
The Clearinghouse provides community groups and nonprofit organizations with free legal assistance by drawing on hundreds of volunteer lawyers from New York's most prestigious law firms and corporate law departments. Last year, the Clearinghouse placed over 200 transactional and litigation pro bono matters with firms.
The Position
The Clearinghouse Intern will report to the Director of Pro Bono Programs and support the work of the Program Associates. The Intern will assist with the day to day operations of the Clearinghouse including monitoring and tracking the status of placed cases with clients and attorneys. Clients include nonprofits, community-based organizations and legal services organizations. The position provides a unique opportunity to interact with a large variety of public interest legal organizations as well as lawyers and pro bono coordinators from some of New York City's prominent law firms.
Responsibilities include: Outreach to community groups about our pro bono legal service; tracking the status of placed cases; attending placement meetings; interacting with firms and associates about the importance of pro bono work; and assisting with the production of newsletters.
Qualifications: Applicants should be interested in gaining exposure to the legal needs of nonprofits as well as to law firms. Strong organizational, interpersonal and solid writing skills are essential. Proficiency in computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel and databases a plus. Applicants must possess a commitment to public interest. He or she must also fit into a team oriented environment.
