LAFLA is proud to launch two new initiatives to support law students in our 2021 Summer Law Clerk Program:
- LAFLA Equity and Inclusion Fellowship (LEIF) Program
- LAFLA 2021 Summer Law Clerk Stipend
These initiatives will bolster LAFLA’s efforts to foster a more diverse legal profession; reflect the client communities we serve; and encourage future careers in public interest law. At LAFLA, we recognize that racial disparities are pronounced in the legal community: Among California State Bar members, Black attorneys comprise 4%, Latinx attorneys 7% and Asian or Pacific Islander attorneys 13% — whereas white attorneys account for 68% of State Bar members.
“As part of LAFLA’s commitment to racial justice, we are excited to prepare students from underrepresented communities for legal careers, many of whom are first-generation law students,” said LAFLA Executive Director Silvia Argueta. “Our summer law clerk program has propelled the careers of thousands of law students throughout the years, and we are thrilled to create a pipeline for BIPOC law students that will ensure greater equity and inclusivity in our field.”
LAFLA Equity and Inclusion Fellowship (LEIF) Program
LAFLA will award fellowships to a select number of eligible 2021 Summer Law Clerks. 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.
To indicate your interest in the LEIF Program, please complete our volunteer application.
Eligibility criteria include: Student must receive and accept a formal offer to join the LAFLA 2021 Summer Law Clerk Program; identify as a member of a group that is historically underrepresented in the practice of law (e.g., ethnically diverse persons, persons with disabilities, and LGBT persons); demonstrate a commitment to racial equity and inclusivity; be willing to join and remain a member of the LEIF Program community during and after the summer law clerk program, to connect with future fellows and support the continued growth of the LEIF Program.
LAFLA 2021 Summer Law Clerk Stipend
Each law clerk will receive a $500 stipend for participation in our full-time summer law clerk program. LAFLA recognizes that law student volunteers play a vital role in advancing LAFLA’s mission and encourages the development of future public interest lawyers and pro bono volunteers. Note: This does not apply to LEIF Program awardees who will each receive $7,500 for their service.
We encourage you to spread the word about our new law student programs! To apply for LAFLA’S 2021 Summer Law Clerk Program, candidates must fill out our volunteer application.
To learn more about our new initiatives, please contact LAFLA Pro Bono Manager Tiffany Tsao.
