Jobs

Ruth Chance Law Fellow

Equal Rights Advocates’ Ruth Chance Law Fellow is an entry level position for a recent J.D. law school graduate. As a member of the legal services team at ERA, the Ruth Chance Law Fellow serves as a Staff Attorney and oversees the Advice and Counseling Program, assists other attorneys with litigation and special projects, and participates in public education efforts.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee and coordinate Advice & Counseling program, including orienting and coordinating ERA (student) law clerks.  Work with law students and attorneys in providing information, advice and representation to women who have been discriminated against on the basis of sex and/or race in employment and/or educational opportunities.  
• Participate in public hearings and conferences, press relations, writing articles for ERA publications.
• Assist Staff Attorneys with ongoing litigation and special projects. Tasks include, but are not limited to: interviewing clients and potential witnesses; drafting and responding to discovery requests; researching and drafting briefs, motions and supporting exhibits; preparing for or participating in depositions; and organizing files and documents.
• Oversee, coordinate and lead “Know Your Rights” training sessions and other public workshops or presentations.
• Oversee and coordinate substantive updates of “Know Your Rights” brochure series, “Know Your Rights” presentation training materials, law student orientation materials, and Advice and Counseling resource materials.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor from a U.S. law school awarded in 2011 or 2012
• Licensed to practice law in California or candidate for July 2012 Bar exam.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated commitment to women's rights and legal issues affecting women.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated commitment to civil rights and legal issues affecting people of color and other disadvantaged populations.
• Dedicated team player with a commitment to collaboration and the highest level of client service.
• Ability to problem-solve, exercise sound judgment, work independently and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to interact professionally and effectively with co-workers, board members, volunteers, clients, outside counsel, court personnel, organization donors and guests.
• Demonstrated commitment to and involvement with community concerns.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated skill in legal research, analysis and writing.
• Ability to complete assignments and responsibilities accurately and in a timely manner, often with strict and/or conflicting deadlines.
• Proficiency in computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite and Westlaw or other online research applications.
• Bilingual (English + Spanish, Cantonese or Vietnamese) preferred.

The Ruth Chance Law Fellow is a one or two year (renewable by mutual agreement) position beginning August 2012. This is a full-time, exempt position with a salary of 45,000 and excellent benefits, including three weeks paid vacation.

To apply

Send cover letter, resume, legal writing sample and three references (names and current contact information) to: 

Ruth Chance Law Fellow Application
Equal Rights Advocates
180 Howard Street, Suite 300
San Francisco CA 94105

These materials may be e-mailed to jobapplicants@equalrights.org  with “Ruth Chance” in the subject line.

Please, no phone calls.

Deadline to apply: October 15, 2011

Wal-Mart Internships

Equal Rights Advocates has two openings for Law Clerks interested in gaining experience in Employment/Labor law and Class Actions.  Law Clerks at Equal Rights Advocates (www.equalrights.org) have the unique opportunity to work in an exciting and cutting-edge non-profit women’s law firm. ERA has been fighting for women’s equality through litigation and advocacy for over 35 years.  First year students are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications:

• Excellent writing & research skills;
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice issues;
• Interest in and knowledge of class actions and employment law;
• Current student able to have a stable internship schedule

Hours: flexible and dependent on your school’s requirements for an internship

Payment: we offer academic credit. You may be able to arrange for a stipend through various foundations.

To apply

Please send resume, cover letter, unofficial transcript and three references to (email preferred):

Wal-Mart Internship
180 Howard St., Suite 300
San Francisco, California 94105
United States

lawclerkapplicants@equalrights.org

This is an unpaid volunteer internship. Students are encouraged to apply for funding separately. Most law clerks and internships are able to obtain funding or academic credit for clerking at ERA.  Some interns may be able to obtain Academic Credit or Work Study through their school.

Law Clerk Internships

ERA is seeking Law Clerks for its 2012 academic year. We have three positions in Spring 2012, three or four for Summer 2012, and three for Fall of 2012.

Law Clerks have the unique opportunity to work in an exciting and cutting-edge non-profit women’s rights law firm. ERA has been fighting for women’s equality through litigation and advocacy for over 35 years. Under the supervision of ERA attorneys, Law Clerks staff our Advice and Counseling line. They interview callers and provide legal advice regarding sex discrimination, sexual harassment, title IX enforcement, family/medical leave, and other employment issues. Law Clerks also assist with impact litigation and legislation through research and writing assignments; attending court hearings, depositions, and internal litigation strategy sessions; and working with ERA lawyers on legislative advocacy. Law clerks may also have the opportunity to present educational workshops to community groups regarding sex discrimination and women’s rights.

ERA requires a commitment of 16-20 hours during the school year and 10 to 11 weeks full time in the summer, and accepts 2L and 3L students only. Our internships are unpaid. In addition, IL students have the opportunity to volunteer for dedicated projects. Interested IL students should apply directly to lawclerkapplicants@equalrights.org. and state: "Law Student Volunteer" in the subject heading.

Qualifications       

• Excellent writing & research skills;
• Demonstrated commitment to women’s issues, public interest law and racial justice;
• Coursework in Employment Discrimination, Constitutional Law, Evidence, Critical Race Theory, Feminist Jurisprudence, Immigration Law, Public Interest Law;
• Experience working on ERA’s focus areas, including sexual harassment, employment issues, affirmative action, welfare, family/work, immigration, and economic self-sufficiency; and,
• Bilingual ability in Spanish (highly desirable), Cantonese, or Mandarin (a plus)

To apply
All interested students should send a cover letter, resume, three references, and a short writing sample (5-7 pages) to lawclerkapplicants@equalrights.org.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.