Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Asian Law Caucus (Advancing Justice – ALC) is seeking law clerk applications for spring, summer and fall semesters.  Interested candidates should have strong interests in social justice, non-profit/public interest work, and be committed to the community.  Language skills are highly desired as well.

Founded in 1972, Advancing Justice – ALC is the nation’s first legal and civil rights organization serving low-income Asian and Pacific Islander (API) communities.  Advancing Justice – ALC strives to defend and empower the API community through a three-pronged strategy of community organizing, direct legal services, and strategic impact litigation.

Law clerks will be matched with one of the below program areas and supervised by one or more staff attorneys in our San Francisco office.  Preference for program areas should be stated on cover letters. 

PROGRAM AREAS:

The Criminal Justice Reform Program challenges the criminalization of communities of color  from arrest to sentencing. We examine the intersection between criminal justice and immigration  systems, combating unjust federal programs such as Secure Communities, or “S-Comm,” and  supporting implementation of the TRUST Act, which seeks to sharply limit Immigration and  Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainers in California, thereby reducing unjust deportation. We  also continue to provide direct legal services to immigrant families of youth in the juvenile  system.  

Our Workers’ Rights Program provides legal counseling, policy advocacy, direct services and  impact litigation for low-income immigrant workers on a wide range of workplace issues,  including race and national-origin discrimination, retaliation, wage and hour problems,  unemployment insurance benefit appeals, and workplace safety. ALC regularly partners with  worker centers to support workplace organizing, worker-led campaigns, and the development of  immigrant worker leaders.  

The Housing Rights Program provides direct legal assistance to low-income tenants and  seniors and seeks to build community infrastructure in low-income neighborhoods. We also  work closely with community partner agencies to monitor trends in development and empower  tenants.  

The Immigrant Rights Program provides legal services for low-income immigrants facing  detention and deportation. We are committed to an immigration system that keeps families  together and does not determine a person’s value by their immigration status or whether they have been incarcerated.  

The National Security and Civil Rights Program challenges national security policies  impinging the civil rights of the African, Arab, Middle Eastern, Muslim, and South Asian  (AAMEMSA) communities, especially after September 11, 2001 by working with other  organizations in advocating local and state protections against overreaching FBI intrusion into  San Francisco law enforcement affairs.  

The Voting Rights’ Program works to ensure a democracy that is fully accessible to immigrant  voters and limited-English proficient voters. It uses a combination of policy advocacy, litigation  and legal advocacy, and community organizing. 

REQUIREMENTS: During the spring and fall semesters, clerkships require a commitment of 15-20 hours a week.  During summer semesters, clerkships are full-time, 40 hours per weeks for 10 weeks.  Assignments include conducting legal research, client intake interviews, drafting declarations, researching and drafting court filings such as briefs and motions, attending hearings and policy meetings, developing “Know Your Rights” materials, and drafting letters in support of or opposing pending state and federal bills. We encourage clerks to seek academic credit, work-study or independent funding for their work.

How to Apply: Please email your cover letter, resume, writing sample and references to: apply@advancingjustice-alc.org or submit your application via our website: https://www.advancingjustice-alc.org/get-involved/volunteer-opportunities/  

PLEASE, NO CALLS.

IMPORTANT APPLICATION DEADLINES:

2021 Spring Clerks: December 1, 2020

2021 Summer Clerks: February 1, 2021

2021 Fall Clerks: June 30, 2021

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and if space permits.