Kimball R. Anderson & Karen G. Anderson Public Interest Law Fellowship

Through the generous gift of Kimball Anderson and Karen Anderson, The Chicago Bar Foundation (“CBF”) awards public interest law fellowships to provide loan repayment assistance for outstanding recent law school graduates who either are presently working or have accepted an offer to work for CBF-funded public interest law organizations.

SUMMER FUNDING: EJW Summer Corps Application Open!

Are you working in public interest this summer? The Equal Justice Works Summer Corps application opens on March 16, 2011 so mark your calendars.  The application takes a bit of time to work through so don't leave it until the deadline to complete (which is April 5, 2011).

CBA Meetings for Next Week

Meetings for Week of February 21, 2011

This schedule was generated on February 17. View most recent list.

The following is a list of committees that have notified the CBA of their speaker / topic. Meetings are held at 12:15 p.m. for one hour at the CBA unless otherwise noted. Bring your CBA card to obtain MCLE credit for meeting attendance. Lunch is available in our servery for $9.50. There is no need to RSVP for committee meetings

SUMMER FUNDING: EJW Summer Corps

Are you working in public interest this summer? The Equal Justice Works Summer Corps application opens on March 16, 2011 so mark your calendars.  The application takes a bit of time to work through so don't leave it until the deadline to complete (which is April 5, 2011).

CBA Meetings for Next Week

Chicago Bar Association Meetings for Week of February 7, 2011
This schedule was generated on February 4. View most recent list.

Bergstrom Foundation Child Welfare Law Summer Fellowship Program

The University of Michigan Law School and the Bergstrom Foundation are sponsoring a Child Welfare Law Summer Fellowship Program where students are brought to Ann Arbor for three days of training (May 23-25, 2011) before they begin their summer work at a child welfare law office.  Students who have completed their first year of law school but who have not yet graduated are eligible.  Applications are due February 4, 2011.

Summer Funding Resources

So you've landed an unpaid summer public interest gig (or are working toward that), and are thinking out ways to make it work financially.  Here's some resources and suggestions:

Determine if there is any flexibility to work only 25-30 hours so you can pursue paid work, such as:

• Research Assistant to a College of Law Professor or in one of the Centers or Institutes.  Network your work into finding out about these opportunities from the professors, Directors, and past research assistants.
• A non-legal gig, like a coffee shop or part-time nanny.  Yes, you'll have to report all employment to the bar for character and fitness someday, but you don't have to include it on your resume.
• Working as a legal assistant or courier for a legal employer -- do some networking, and learn where to file everything at the courthouses.

Pay attention to newsletters, discussion lists, and other emails you receive from the College of Law for funding opportunities.

• For example, the Center for Public Interest Law and Law Career Services collaborate to provide one application for their funding sources.  This will be coming later in December.
• The centers and institutes usually advertise their opportunities to their discussion lists and fellows.

Use external resources for funding.

• PSLawNet provides an overview of external summer funding opportunities (and for postgraduation too).  Many of our students have received funding through the Equal Justice America Law Student Fellowships and Equal Justice Works SummerCorps programs (yes, these are two separate organizations)
• Through its Library and Philanthropy Centers, the Donors Forum provides free access to the Foundation Center's Foundation Grants to Individuals Online.  This resource will be the most helpful for those that are seeking to do non-legal work.

Human Rights & International Law at the CBA

Many students continually express express interest in human rights and international law opportunities.  The Chicago Bar Association is hosting War on Terror: GITMO, Human Rights, National Security and Immigration  Issues on Tuesday, December 7, 2010 from 8:45 a.m. - 1:45 p.m. The program includes lunch, which is a fantastic opportunity to network with practitioners and other supporters.

ABA Commission on DV Announces New Initiatives: Part III

DV in Law Schools: Available for download on our website is: Teach Your Students Well: Incorporating Domestic Violence into Law School Curricula, A Law School Report. This 256-page report is the culmination of the Commission's work with law school faculty and students to assess and increase the incorporation of domestic violence education in today's law schools. In Spring 2011, we will release a second publication and training around Law School Clinics providing representation through student attorneys for survivors of domestic violence. If you are interested in receiving more information on this coming publication/training, please contact: boldtk@staff.abanet.org.

Fellowship Resources

Are you interested in pursuing a public interest career? Have you done your research on postgraduate fellowships?  With the launching of the Public Defender Corps by Equal Justice Works and the Southern Public Defender Training Center, here's a refresher on the major resources:

• College of Law Fellowship Guide (Symplicity Document Library)
• PSLawNet Background Information & Resources
• PSLawNet Fellowship Deadline Calendar

Please make an appointment with Associate Director Alisa Rosales if you would like to discuss any fellowships in-depth.  You are encouraged to become familiar with these opportunities early in your law school career so that you are developing the network and recommendations that underpin most  successful fellowship applications.

ABA Commission on DV Announces New Initiatives: Part II

2011 Law Student Writing Competition: The Eighth Annual Law Student Writing Competition is open. Law students are invited to submit articles addressing domestic violence and the law from a national or international perspective. Awards include publication in the American University Journal of Gender, Social Policy & the Law for the first place winner. All past and present winners’ names and papers appear on the ABA Commission on Domestic Violence website. The deadline for submissions is May 31, 2011 5:00 p.m. EST in electronic format to: dvwriting@staff.abanet.org.

ABA Commission on DV Announces New Initiatives: Part I

The American Bar Association Commission on Domestic Violence is pleased to announce several Law School related initiatives.

New Listserv for Law School Students:The LEARNDV listerv provides a forum for law students interested in learning about the legal implications of domestic violence, providing students with a forum to discuss new legal theories, pose questions regarding law review and research articles and studies, and share educational experiences from clinical work with survivors. The purpose of this listserv is to provide a forum for law students for discussion and sharing of resources about domestic violence, related careers, the work of the commission, and other related issues. The listservs will be closed and monitored to provide a forum for peer-to-peer assistance, support, and mentorship. American Bar Association membership is not a prerequisite for membership in the listserv, nor does ABA membership on its own qualify one for admission to the listserv. The list is ‘quietly moderated’ by the ABA Commission on Domestic Violence, which means that messages are screened for relevance and appropriateness, but not edited. The ABA Commission on DV reserves the right to grant or deny access to the listserv to anyone at any time.  If you wish to join LEARNDV discussion list, please email: boldtk@staff.abanet.org with the discussion list name in the subject line from your .edu email address.

College Cost Reduction & Access Act

To learn about the new Income Based Repayment plan (lower than Income Contingent Repayment) and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness provisions of the College Cost Reduction & Access Act, check out this presentation by Heather Jarvis, national student debt expert. In addition to her education and advocacy work on behalf of student debt, she also follows trends on Loan Repayment Assistance Programs. A wealth of tools are also available on the Equal Justice Works website. Thank you to Illinois Legal Aid Online for making this available online for everyone!

Pro Bono & Community Service Initiative

Did you know that Pro Bono & Community Service Initiative Director Cheryl Price puts out a student newsletter to inform those that opt-in about the opportunities and offerings of her office. If you'd like to be included on this in the future, please email her to be added to the distribution. Here's an excerpt from last week:

NATIONAL CELEBRATE PRO BONO WEEK IS OCTOBER 24th –OCTOBER 30TH.
To commemorate this week, PBCSI is planning the following events. Please RSVP and mark your calendars!

• The Rewards of Pro Bono Panel, Tuesday, October 26, 804 Lewis from 11:50a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• PBCSI’s Donate-A-Day with The Center for Disability and Elder Law, Friday, October 29 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 
• Illinois Legal Aid Online will be holding a volunteer training for its LiveHelp Project at the law school on October 20, 2010 in Room 516 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• The 17th Annual CBA Young Lawyers Section’s Pro Bono and Community Service Fair is scheduled for Thursday, October 28, 2010 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, 300 N. Lasalle.

Service Opportunities

• Are you interested in participating in an exciting new pilot project to improve the intake system at the Domestic Violence Courthouse?  
• The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is seeking law students for its Election Protection program to help ensure millions of Americans are able to vote.
• Volunteer with the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights’ New Americans Initiative (“NAI”). 
• Volunteer for The Farmworker & Landscaper Advocacy Project!
• Volunteer Opportunity to work on Foreclosure Issues: Opportunity to Create Historical Change for Homeowners in Illinois.
• The Lawyers’ Committee for Better Housing, which provides legal services to low-income tenants in Chicago, is seeking legal interns to work in its various programs under the supervision of staff attorneys and the Legal Support Team.
• The Indo-American Legal Clinic, which is supported by the Chicago Volunteer Legal Services, is seeking law student volunteers to assist attorneys on clinic days, which are November 13th and December 11th.

CBA Meetings for Next Week

As always, tons going on at the Chicago Bar Association! Today's post reminds you that the eBulletin they send provides a great deal of information and networking opportunities. For example, the eBulletin detailed the meetings for next week:

October 11

• Continuing Legal Education Committee
•  Trust Law Committee (IL MCLE Credit, Webcast)

October 12

• Adoption Law Committee (IL MCLE Credit)
• Civil Practice Committee (IL MCLE Credit, Webcast)
• Criminal Law Committee
• Financial & Investment Services Committee (IL MCLE Credit)
• Law & Literature Committee (5:15 P.M.) -R J Daley Center, 55 W. Washington St. Machiavelli's The Prince.
• Local Government Committee (IL MCLE Credit)
• Trade & Professional Associations Law Committee (IL MCLE Credit)
• YLS Insurance Coverage Committee (IL MCLE Credit, Webcast)

October 13

• Domestic Relations Committee (IL MCLE Credit)
• Financial Institutions Committee (IL MCLE Credit)
• Labor & Employment Law Committee (IL MCLE Credit)

October 14

• Business Law, Mergers & Acquisitions Subcommittee (IL MCLE Credit)
• Federal Taxation, Exempt Organization Division H (IL MCLE Credit)
• Legal Aid Committee (IL MCLE Credit)
• Securities Law, Investment Management Subcommittee (12:00 P.M.) (IL MCLE Credit)
• YLS Education Law Committee (IL MCLE Credit, Webcast)

October 15

• Employee Benefits Committee (IL MCLE Credit, Webcast)
• Professional Responsibilities Committee (IL Professional Responsibility Credit, subject to approval)
• Workers' Compensation Committee (IL MCLE Credit, Webcast)

Much more information is available in the eBulletin and on the Chicago Bar Association website!

Equal Justice Works Conference & Career Fair

Upcoming Deadline: Last day to register/cancel attendance is October 12
Notifications for interview selections have been emailed to all applicants. Students may continue to register to attend through October 12 (note that registering for the conference is separate from bidding for or accepting interviews -- please see the Registration Guide for more information.) Students who wish to register/attend following this deadline must register onsite for $20. Payment will be accepted by check or credit card only and DePaul will NOT reimburse you if you fail to register before October 12, 2010 through the system by that date. Please note that Law Career Services is charged for your registration regardless of your attendance so please cancel your registration before October 12 if you are no longer attending.


Awards Presentation & Conversation with Professor Laurence Tribe
We are happy to announce the 2010 Honorees of the Outstanding Law School Professional and Exemplary Public Service for a Student Group Awards!

Karen V. Comstock,Assistant Dean for Public Service,Cornell Law School

The Suspension Representation Project, New York University School of Law, Brooklyn Law School,
CUNY School of Law, Fordham Law School and Pace Law School

The awards will be presented immediately preceding the Plenary session—Professor Laurence Tribe and Judge David Tatel discuss Public Service and the Role of Lawyers in Society—on Friday morning at 10:45 a.m. Seating is open for all Conference and Career Fair attendees on a first-come, first-served basis. This event is expected to fill up so come early!

Networking Reception
Please join us for a networking reception for all students, law school professionals and students. The reception will take place on Friday, October 22 at 5:30 p.m. and is open to all registered Conference and Career Fair attendees.

Want updates about Equal Justice Works? Receive updates by following us on Twitter @EJW_org hash tag #CCF10, or “like” them on Facebook.

2nd Annual Pro Bono Conference

Looking to secure a placement at a public interest law organization or in the government sector? This program is for Chicago-area law students and recent graduates who are interested in learning more about placements as volunteers, interns or externs, fellows or staff at public interest law organizations. The program will begin with a panel discussion focusing on how to obtain pro bono and public interest law placements, particularly PILI Internships and Fellowships, Equal Justice Works Fellowships and Skadden Fellowships. It will also address incorporating pro bono and public interest law into your experience in law school and throughout your career.

Advance registration is required by September 28th by e-mailing rsvp@pili-law.org.

ACS Research Link

If you are a law student, public interest lawyer or law professor, ACS would like to remind you of an important tool at your disposal: ACS ResearchLink. Launched in 2007, the goal of the project is twofold:

(1) give practitioners across the country an opportunity to submit legal research topics for further investigation, and

(2) give law students an opportunity to explore these topics through faculty-supervised writing projects for academic credit, and submit the subsequent papers for potential publication.

By connecting law students and faculty with the research needs of organizations and advocates, ACS ResearchLink has become an increasingly comprehensive and powerful engine for change. It has expanded the resources of public interest practitioners, while enhancing the relevance and influence of student scholarship. Furthermore, it has provided numerous opportunities for students to explore the issues that ACS members care most about. Below, you will find specific information on how you can get involved!

You can get more information on the ACS ResearchLink website, including answers to frequently asked questions. If you have additional questions or thoughts you would like to share, please contact ACS Associate Director for Outreach, Virginia Adams Marentette.

PSLawNet Resources

PSLawNet, the Online Resource for Public Service Careers, has created a new list of the various resources this rich website provides, which can be found in the Symplicity document library. Their resources include the 2010-2011 Federal Legal Opportunities Guide, Postgraduate Fellowship Listing & Application Resources, Summer Funding Resources, Job Postings, and so much more. If you haven't created your account yet, do it today. Don't forget to set the job alerts as well so you can stay abreast of the latest job postings!

Equal Justice Works Conference & Career Fair

The Equal Justice Works Conference & Career Fair will be held on October 22nd & 23rd in Bethesda, Maryland. Registration opens today, August 30th, for students wanting to attend. Registration and bidding is open through September 24th. As a reminder, if you would like Associate Director of Public Service Law Alisa Rosales to review your resume for this or any other public interest employer, please upload it into Symplicity labeled as a a public interest resume. Highlights from last year's conference will provide you a glimpse of what to expect for 2010.