Summer Law Clerk Program
Please note: Applications for LAFLA’s 2023 Summer Law Clerk Program and LEIF Fellowships are now closed.
Each summer, LAFLA hosts approximately 30-35 law students as part of the Summer Law Clerk Program. Law clerks volunteer on a full-time basis and participate in various events and programs aimed at introducing them to the legal community.
LAFLA is committed to supporting pathways to public service, and summer law clerks will not only gain hands-on experience during the program, but also receive financial support for participation. Details about our 2023 LAFLA Equity & Inclusion Fellowship (LEIF) Program and other summer support can be found below.
Our Summer 2023 Law Clerk Program will begin on Monday, May 22nd and run through Friday, July 28th. At this time, we intend to hold a hybrid (remote/in-person) program, and placements are team-specific, with some teams requiring some in-person engagement while others may be able to facilitate full remote participation.
Under the supervision of an experienced attorney, volunteers have the opportunity to provide various levels of assistance to LAFLA clients including but not limited to:
- Conduct client intake interviews
- Provide information/advice to clients
- Gather and assess evidentiary and other supporting documents
- Analyze and assess client needs
- Conduct legal research and prepare memoranda
- Draft motions and trial briefs
- Assist attorneys at court for motions and trials
- Develop resource and educational materials for clients
- Support policy work addressing issues affecting LAFLA clients
- Participate in Coalition meetings
- Attend administrative or court proceedings
- Argue a motion in court (if certified)
LAFLA’s program is full-time and runs for 10 weeks, Monday – Friday from 9AM – 5PM PST. Students may share requests for adjustments to these regular hours with their team at interviews.
LAFLA offers its summer law clerks reimbursement for educational costs. Summer 2023 Law Clerks are eligible to receive up to $3500 toward tuition and/or student loans. Participants can request reimbursement for costs incurred within the prior 12 months. LAFLA Equity & Inclusion Fellowship (LEIF) fellows are eligible for additional reimbursement; read more here. All participants also receive a technology stipend of $70 per month.
The deadline to apply for the summer 2023 program is Friday, April 14, 2023.
In-person volunteers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and be able to provide proof of vaccination. All volunteers will be required to wear masks indoors to keep our community safe.
If you are interested in volunteering for Spring or Summer, please fill out the application here.
Learn more about former summer law clerks:
2021 – Meet Our 2021 Summer Law Clerks
2020 – Meet Our 2020 Summer Law Clerks
2019 – Meet Our 2019 Summer Law Clerks
LAFLA Equity and Inclusion Fellowship (LEIF) Program
LAFLA awards fellowships to a select number of eligible summer law clerks through the LEIF Program, launched in 2021. LAFLA recognizes the existence of racial inequity in the educational system and the lack of diversity in the legal community. LAFLA also acknowledges the importance of a legal community that represents our client community. The LEIF Program is designed to engage and empower law students who are historically underrepresented in the legal profession in their pursuit of public interest legal careers.
Fellowships
LAFLA invites law students and recent law school graduates interested in pursuing a public interest legal career to partner in fellowship applications. LAFLA has hosted fellows from various programs, including Skadden, Equal Justice Works, and school-based fellowships.
Careers
Start your legal career at the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, one of the largest public interest law firms, providing services to more than 100,000 people living in poverty each year.
The leadership of LAFLA is committed to a work culture of zealous advocacy, respect, diversity and inclusion, client-oriented defense, access to justice, and excellent representation.
