Law School Externships and Legal Volunteers

SeniorLAW Center offers law students the opportunity to engage in externships and volunteer positions focused on advocating for the legal needs of senior citizens, including low-income individuals, veterans, minorities, immigrants, and refugees. These positions provide practical experience in various legal areas such as elder abuse, housing, family law, consumer protection, and advance planning.

Externs and volunteers are involved in client intake and interviews, managing a small caseload under supervision, assisting with complex litigation, developing community education materials, conducting outreach workshops, and participating in systemic advocacy efforts. These roles offer hands-on experience in direct client advocacy and exposure to the operations of a nonprofit legal services organization.

Ideal candidates are second-year law students, though first-year students with bilingual abilities or exemplary public interest experience will be considered. Applicants should possess excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, the ability to work under pressure, and superior writing and communication skills. A demonstrated commitment to public interest and sensitivity to older individuals from diverse backgrounds are essential.

While specific compensation details are not provided, these positions offer valuable experience in public interest law. Students are encouraged to explore work-study, law school, or other external funding options and include this information in their cover letter.

SeniorLAW Center fosters a supportive and inclusive environment, valuing diversity and encouraging applications from individuals of all backgrounds. Externs and volunteers gain exposure to a wide range of legal issues affecting older adults and have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community.