You are viewing a preview of this job. Log in or register to view more details about this job.

Legal Internship, The Guardianship Project

Join us for an exceptional 11 week paid internship that offers the opportunity to drive meaningful change and to tackle the most pressing injustices in our day. Vera’s summer internship will give you the opportunity to work with passionate, diverse, dynamic, and innovative individuals to work on complex projects. You will have the opportunity to apply some of the skills you’ve acquired in school as well as learn from our amazing staff. In addition to having the opportunity for personal and professional development, you’ll:
  • Network with and learn from Vera’s Leadership Team;
  • Attend brown bags to enhance your understanding of criminal justice reform;
  • Develop your professional and personal network;
  • Gain valuable work experience via real-world problem solving;
  • Learn the inner workings of a non-profit leader in criminal justice reform;
  • Cultivate your passion for equal justice for all!
Vera offers summer internships to high school, undergraduate and graduate students in all disciplines of study. Some preference is given to applicants with demonstrated experience and/or interest in the field of social and/or criminal justice. However, qualifications and responsibilities vary by department. All are encouraged to apply.

About Vera 
The Vera Institute of Justice, founded in 1961, is an independent, non-partisan, nonprofit organization that combines expertise in research, technical assistance, and demonstration projects to assist leaders in government and civil society, examine justice policy and practice, and improve the systems people rely on for justice and safety. At a time of unprecedented challenge, we’re fighting for justice reform built on bedrock American values and grounded in action at the state and local level. 

About the Guardianship Project
The Guardianship Project (TGP) is one of Vera’s innovative demonstration projects. It was established to provide model guardianship services to people adjudicated by the courts as incapacitated or who have consented to a guardianship. The agency serves a culturally diverse population in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and Bronx. TGP employs a range of professionals including case managers, attorneys, property managers, and financial managers who work as a team to provide efficient service and advocacy for our clients. Guardianship practice covers a wide range of issues, including foreclosures, public benefits, social security, landlord/tenant law, real estate management and transactions, medical decision-making and elder abuse. 

Responsibilities 
  • Researching, drafting, and preparing memoranda, motions and other papers
  • Providing support to all members of the Legal team
  • Serving and filing legal papers
  • Preparing affirmations detailing services provided to clients
  • Appearing with attorneys in court for hearings and other proceedings
  • Consulting with case managers and other staff when necessary
  • Conducting legal research and investigating facts in preparation for potential court action
  • Identifying clients’ legal issues as they arise and addressing them accordingly with supervisors
  • Travel to clients’ homes and residential facilities may be required  

Qualifications
  • Priority will be given 3Ls, but 2Ls will also be considered
  • Strong interest in social justice for underserved populations
  • Dedication to public interest
  • Passion for working with the elderly and/or people with disabilities desirable  
  • Strong written and oral communication skills
  • Creativity, flexibility, patience, and follow-through
  • Excellent organizational skills and ability to work in a team environment

Compensation
Applicants must seek independent funding either through an accredited institution or through fellowship grants or internship programs. Vera will gladly assist the student in working with the school or program to make arrangements and meet requirements.


How to apply
Please submit a resume and cover letter.
Applications should be received by March 31, 2020 and will be considered on a rolling basis. Applications received after the deadline will be considered if the internship remains unfilled after all on-time applications have been considered.
Electronic submissions in PDF format are required.
No phone calls, please. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.

Vera is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, current employment status, or caregiver status.
Vera works to advance justice, particularly racial justice, in an increasingly multicultural country and globally connected world. We value diverse experiences, including with regard to educational background and justice system contact, and depend on a diverse staff to carry out our mission.
For more information about Vera and The Guardianship Project, please visit https://www.vera.org/centers/guardianship-project.