Each of these fellowships offer recent law school graduates the opportunity to obtain training and experience in litigation and other aspects of public interest practice.  Skadden and EJW Fellows design unique projects that address a range of legal issues, including the economic rights and working conditions of low-wage workers, immigrants’ rights and access to justice, civil rights, and equity and access in education.  ERA’s Ruth Chance Law Fellow assists ERA staff attorneys with ongoing litigation, direct legal services, and policy advocacy efforts.

ERA was founded in 1974 as a public interest law firm dedicated to ending discrimination against women and girls.  ERA’s mission is to protect and secure equal rights and economic opportunities for women and girls through litigation, advocacy and direct services.

ERA has been a pioneer in advancing gender equity in work and schools for women and girls across the country since its founding.  Through our campaign approach—which incorporates public education, legislative advocacy, and litigation—ERA seeks to assist women and girls throughout a life-long continuum: from ensuring access and equity in educational institutions, to combating sex discrimination in employment, to advocating for policies that make the workplace more hospitable to working families.  From assisting in the passage of the Pregnancy Discrimination Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act to arguing seminal gender rights cases before the United States Supreme Court, ERA is known for being the home of visionary leaders, unflinching advocates, and hard-nosed litigators for justice.  Interested individuals can find more information about ERA’s programs and projects by visiting ERA’s website.

ERA seeks to sponsor a Skadden and/or EJW candidate to develop a project in one of ERA’s issue priority areas: (1) ending sexual harassment and wage theft against low-wage and immigrant women workers; (2) expanding and ensuring equal opportunities for women in traditionally male-dominated industries; (3) promoting policies that advance equal pay and decrease the gender wage gap; (4) combating pregnancy and familial status discrimination in the workplace; and (5) fostering equity in education through full implementation and enforcement of Title IX.  Individuals interested in becoming fellowship candidates are encouraged to visit our website at www.equalrights.org/our-work/ to learn more about ERA’s campaigns.

Applicants for the two-year Skadden Fellowship and EJW Fellowship should consult those programs for more details about selection process and requirements.

Those applying for Skadden and/or EJW Fellowships who would also like to be considered for the Ruth Chance Law Fellowship should indicate their interest on the Project Area Interest Form.

Criteria for sponsorship for a Skadden or EJW Fellowship include:

•  Juris Doctor from a U.S. law school awarded in 2013 or 2014.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated commitment to women’s rights and legal issues affecting women, people of color, and other populations that are deprived of civil and/or human rights.
• Dedicated team player with a commitment to collaboration and the highest level of client service.
• Strong academic performance; excellent legal research and writing skills.
• Ability to problem-solve, exercise sound judgment, take initiative, and work independently.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills; Spanish fluency strongly preferred.
• Admission to California Bar or plans to sit for July 2014 bar exam.

ERA will accept applications for Skadden/EJW Fellowship proposals through July 10, 2013.

All individuals who wish to be considered for a 2014-2016 Skadden or Equal Justice Works Fellowship must complete the project area interest form and submit the following materials by July 10, 2013:

i.            Cover letter;

ii.            Resume;

iii.            Law school transcript;

iv.            Brief legal writing sample of 5-10 pages; and

v.            Completed project area interest form.

Cover letters should not exceed 2 pages and must describe the applicant’s interest in ERA as an organization, his/her relevant skills and experience, and the Fellowship(s) for which s/he would like to be considered.

Candidates interested only in the Ruth Chance Law Fellowship should submit the same materials as described above by no later than October 28, 2013.

Please send completed initial applications to: jreisch@equalrights.org with the subject line “Completed Initial Fellowship Application 2014.”  E-mail is preferred, but paper applications can also be mailed to: Equal Rights Advocates, Attn: Jennifer Reisch, 180 Howard Street, Suite 300, San Francisco, CA 94105.  Please note: Applications submitted by regular mail must be received by the July 10, 2013 deadline.

Equal Rights Advocates is an equal employment opportunity employer and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy), gender, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, medical condition including genetic characteristics, mental or physical disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity (including transgender status), weight, height, linguistic characteristics (such as accent and limited English proficiency, where not substantially job-related), citizenship status, or any other basis prohibited by law. ERA also prohibits discrimination based on a perception that an individual has any of the characteristics of the protected classes of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, marital status, or sexual orientation, and further prohibits discrimination against an individual who is associated with a person who has, or is perceived to have, any of those characteristics. ERA will also make reasonable accommodation for disabled applicants and employees, unless such accommodation would result in undue hardship.

Essential Functions
• Assist ED with a variety of administrative, calendaring, office management, and fundraising tasks;

• Serve as primary liaison to the ERA Board of Directors, coordinating communications, scheduling meetings, and performing administrative/secretarial duties;

• Responsible for daily office operations (processing mail, maintaining supplies, overseeing equipment, and other duties as assigned);

•  Assist with technical needs of office and coordinate with outside vendors;
• Create and update documents and spreadsheets (typically advanced level MS Excel and MS Word required)
• Assist with special events, both internal and external, as needed;
• Assist ED with various human resources functions, including office orientations for new staff, volunteers and interns;
• Assist Development, Finance and Legal Departments with special projects as needed. 

Minimum Qualifications
• Minimum three years relevant and stable office experience;

• BA or equivalent; bilingual in Spanish and English a plus;

• Legal experience is a strong plus, as is experience assisting ED and/or Executive Board of a non-profit organization;
• Intermediate to advanced skills in MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Outlook;

• High comfort with office systems and technology; experience handling technology needs of small office;
• Beginner or intermediate skills in Access or Filemaker Pro or Raiser’s Edge a plus;

• Highly organized and punctual;

• Excellent written and verbal and communications skills;

• Ability to interact professionally with coworkers, Board members, and members of the public;
• Ability to problem-solve, demonstrate sound judgment and maintain strict confidentiality;
• Ability to work under pressure in a busy environment and willingness to learn new things and take on challenges;
• Operate multi-line phone system, office equipment including copier, fax machine, mailing machine, computer;

• Unimpeded use of upper extremities and ability to lift up to 30 lbs.

How to apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume, references, and (optional) 2-page maximum professional writing sample to the attention of Noreen Farrell at info@equalrights.org.  No calls please. Position open until filled, so apply immediately.  ERA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and actively recruits women, people of color, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQI individuals.

This internship will be especially valuable to students or individuals with an interest in pursuing careers in non-profit advocacy, non-profit development, women’s rights, or law.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide support to the Director of Development and development team with tasks relating to fundraising, event-planning, and communications.
• Assist with administrative tasks such as data entry, filing, mailings, and maintaining and organizing supplies and records.
• Participate in donor cultivation, stewardship and solicitation, including upkeep/evaluation of donor database (currently Raiser’s Edge).
• Research and help provide relevant content for ERA’s social media outreach through Facebook, Twitter and other outlets.
• Participate in preparations for ERA’s 800-person annual Luncheon in June with keynote speaker Lily Ledbetter. (Learn more about the Luncheon here: http://events.equalrights.org/)
• Assist with any other admin or research tasks assigned by ERA staff or lawyers.

Qualifications

A minimum of a three-month, two to three day a week commitment is required and applicants available for longer commitments are encouraged. Ideal candidates will have:

• Enthusiasm and commitment for the mission of Equal Rights Advocates
• Gender-studies, or women’s rights background, or a strong interest in learning more
• Familiarity with Facebook, Twitter, and social media
• Professional demeanor and excellent relationship skills
• Ability to be highly organized and to manage multiple projects
• Experience in office environment, or willingness to learn office protocols and tools
• Eagerness to learn from and contribute to the ERA team
• Must be able to dedicate 10-21 hours a week with a minimum commitment of 10 weeks.

To apply

Please submit a cover letter, resume, references, and (if interested in blogging) an optional sample of your written work to Amy Eastman, Program Assistant a taeastman@equalrights.org. Positions are open until filled, so apply immediately. ERA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and actively recruits women, people of color, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQI individuals.

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 info@equalrights.org. and state: “Law Clerk Internship” 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 info@equalrights.org.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Internship Description (8 to 10 hours/week—telecommuting is ok)

50% managing ERA’s social media channels:

• Manage, engage and grow ERA’s audience and support base through social media channels (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn).
• Tap into influential followers and design campaigns to amplify ERA’s message.
• Strategize story-telling tactics to strengthen connections between lenders and borrowers.
• Track analytics across channels to demonstrate growth and engagement.

50% managing and writing for ERA’s Blog:

• Produce and edit high quality content for the ERA Blog.
• Work closely with all teams at ERA to tell stories from across the organization.
• Strategize a mix of posts that educate, inspire, and encourage engagement and support.
• Track blog traffic and report insights that could help grow readership.

Skills / Qualifications / Experience

• BA or equivalent degree required.
• Has journalism, public relations, technical writing, or editorial experience.
• Has established presences on and experience using social media channels.

Benefits

• Creative, driven, flexible work environment.
• References and career mentorship for successful/interested participants

To Apply

Please email your letter of interest to: Lemlem Rijio, Development and Communications Director lrijio@equalrights.org or call 415-621-0672 Ext. 388

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 info@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 info@equalrights.org.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

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 2013 or 2014
• Licensed to practice law in California or candidate for July 2014 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 2015. 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 info@equalrights.org  with “Ruth Chance” in the subject line, or faxed to (415) 621-6744.

Please, no phone calls.

Deadline to apply: October 31, 2013   Interviews will be conducted in November and December.