ATJI facilitates a variety of opportunities to expand your learning beyond the classroom and work directly with community members in need of assistance.
ATJI Partnership Projects
Volunteer with your fellow law students at community organizations with support from ATJI:
External internships and volunteer projects
ATJI ConnectSU portal lists public interest and social opportunities - volunteer and paid.
Student-Initiated Pro Bono Organizations
Several law school student organizations provide legal information and assistance in the community.
For-credit opportunities
Find the right position
If you're not sure what type of opportunity is right for you, consider these questions:
- What legal issues, causes, or communities are you most passionate about?
- What time can you commit to this opportunity?
- What do you hope to gain from the opportunity? Think about what you have already accomplished and learned, and what skills and experiences you would like to add to your toolbox.
Preferences
Limited time
- You can almost always find a pro bono opportunity that fits around your scheduling needs.
- Consider a research and writing opportunity that you can do on your own time
- Or, start with a one-day opportunity or an occasional shift at a community legal clinic
Work with real clients
- Try opportunities where you can conduct "intakes" or client interviews.
- This allows you to practice communicating with clients, gain exposure to a range of legal issues, develop your issue spotting skills, and meet attorneys.
- Examples: ATJI's Moderate Means Program, King County Bar Association's Neighborhood Legal Clinics, or Q-Law's LGBTQ Clinic. I am ready to dig deep and have regular time to commit.
- Consider a long-term placement like a summer or term-time internship (not for credit) or a for-credit externship or clinic. If you can commit at least 5-10 hours per week you will find many opportunities to work closely with a supervising attorney on your own cases or projects.
Leadership and networking
- Student-Initiated Pro Bono Projects allow you to gain experience making decisions and serving in leadership roles.
- Also, consider bar associations or Access to Justice Board Committee.
Public sector/public policy work
- Center for Professional Development (CPD) can provide information about working in government agencies, policy advocacy organizations, and the political sphere.
- Many law firms have paid positions dedicated to pro bono work; contact CPD for information
- Public interest stipends or funded positions are also available
Paid positions
- Many law firms have paid positions dedicated to pro bono work; contact CPD for information
- Public interest stipends or funded positions are also available
