Summer Fellowship

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Ithaca location of Legal Assistance of Western New York invites applications for a 10-week Summer Fellowship for a current Law Student. This Fellowship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience providing legal services to underserved communities while developing a strong foundation in public interest law and nonprofit practice.

The Summer Fellow will work closely with LawNY attorneys and advocates across multiple practice areas, including: General Civil Legal Services, Housing Law and the Disability Advocacy Program.

The Fellow will assist with legal research, drafting, client interaction, and case support. In addition to substantive legal work, the fellowship provides exposure to the operations and mission-driven work of a nonprofit legal services organization, including professional ethics, client-centered advocacy, and community engagement.

Qualification: Must be currently enrolled in Law School as a Law Student

Compensation: $8,000 total stipend over 10 weeks ($800 per week)

ORGANIZATION INFORMATION

Legal Assistance of Western New York, Inc. (LawNY®) is a not-for-profit law firm that provides free civil legal services to low-income clients in a 14 county area of Western New York, the Finger Lakes, and the Southern Tier. LawNY® has seven fully staffed field offices in Bath, Elmira, Geneva, Ithaca, Jamestown, Olean and Rochester, satellite offices in Lakeville and Lyons, and a business office in Rochester. 

LawNY® is committed to equitable inclusion across race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ability, sex, religion, economic circumstances, ethnicity, national origin, and culture. We are increasingly committed to creating a law firm where race equity, diversity and cultural competency are integral components of our work, from client advocacy to internal operations. 

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply, submit your cover letter, resume, and three professional references through LawNY®’s BambooHR platform found here: https://lawny.bamboohr.com/careers/290 

To promote social justice and achieve our mission, LawNY® is committed to maintaining a diverse staff and creating an inclusive and respectful workplace. In your cover letter, please also include an explanation of how you think your lived and/or professional experience or background has prepared you to contribute to support a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion at LawNY® and in our fair housing work.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible work environment. If you require any accommodations to support you in your role - whether for the onboarding, or your day-to-day work, please let us know by sending an email to: [email protected]. Any information shared will remain confidential and only be used to ensure the appropriate support is in place before your first day. As part of your employment, LawNY will provide the necessary hardware to support your role.

Questions? Contact Michelle Grillone at [email protected]

Legal Assistance of Western New York, Inc. (LawNY®) is an equal opportunity employer. LawNY® strongly encourages applications from Black, Indigenous and People of Color, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and persons from other underrepresented groups whose background may contribute to working in and sustaining an environment that enables staff and clients to feel empowered, valued, respected, and safe. LawNY® welcomes applications regardless of race, color, religion, veteran status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other consideration protected by law.