Since SLC began, students have contributed to its work. SLC provides a number of substantive opportunities for students interested in learning about the practice of public interest law:

Sarah F. Hanafin - Spring 2010 Homeless Advocacy Intern - Stetson University College of Law

Clerking for Southern Legal Counsel was one of the most rewarding experiences of my law school career. To witness such talented lawyers who are so dedicated, passionate, and committed to clients who would have no voice in our judicial system was inspiring. I strive to emulate their passion, character, knowledge, and skill in my own legal career.

Chantell Justice - January 2008 to August 2009 - University of Florida

Working with Southern Legal Counsel was the best professional experience of my undergraduate years.  I began as a volunteer and continued as an intern.  Working with Southern Legal Counsel was much more than your typical copying and faxing internship in that I was able to gain practical experience through legal research.  My time with Southern Legal Counsel was invaluable and I am forever grateful to the staff!

Robin Rosenberg - SLC Fellow Spring 1990, Spring and Fall 1991 - University of Florida College of Law

At SLC, I was able to experience, first hand, the mechanics of putting together systemic reform litigation. Although we worked on a shoestring budget, I learned how public interest lawyers, through hard work, attention to detail and excellent lawyering, can provide under-represented people with high-quality representation. The skills I gained at SLC served me well in my subsequent work as a federal law clerk, pro bono counsel with Holland & Knight's Community Services Team, and now as Deputy Director of Florida's Children First, Inc., statewide legal aid organization focusing on the rights of children. It's my privilege to continue to work collaboratively with my and poor people former mentors and supervisors at SLC in the work of helping children in Florida.

Cary Aronovitz - Summer 2008 Extern - University of Florida College of Law

My assignments were engaging and I always understood that my research or analysis might be included in a motion that could appear before the court.  Further, every lawyer took the extra time to explain how my narrow assignment fit into the broader issues involved in the case.  This allowed my work, and my experience as a whole, to remain challenging and fulfilling.

FORMER SLC CLERKS AND VOLUNTEERS:  WHERE ARE YOU?

We are compiling information about what all of our former clerks and volunteers are doing.  We would love to hear from you.  Please complete the Clerk and Volunteer Contact Sheet.

STUDENT POSITIONS

Externs & Law Clerks
Stetson College of Law Homeless Advocacy Internship
Pro Bono Intake Volunteer
Paralegal/Legal Assistant Internships
Communication Internships
Undergraduate Internships

Externs & Law Clerks - ↑ top
Externs and law clerks conduct legal research and factual investigation; prepare legal memoranda; draft and review public records requests and responses; assist in all aspects of discovery such as document analysis, organization and indexing depositions; and assist in preparation of legal documents and pleadings. Since most of the work concerns federal court litigation, there is substantial legal research and writing involved. Second or third year students are preferred.

Stetson College of Law Homeless Advocacy Internship - ↑ top
Stetson College of Law students receive academic credit for internship positions available in the City of St. Petersburg, Florida. Stetson Law students will further the cause of homeless advocacy by assisting in legal work on behalf of homeless individuals. Interns interview clients; conduct legal research and factual investigation; prepare legal memoranda; draft and review public records requests and responses; assist in all aspects of discovery such as document analysis, organization and indexing depositions; and assist in preparation of legal documents and pleadings. Since most of the work concerns federal court litigation, there is substantial legal research and writing involved. Students must apply through the Stetson College of Law [link to http://www.law.stetson.edu/tmpl/academics/adv/internal-1-sub.aspx?id=1988 ] and meet all applicable program and eligibility requirements.

Pro Bono Intake Volunteer - ↑ top
The pro bono intake volunteer assists with intake, client interviews, factual investigation and legal research. This position is open to all law students (including first year students) and requires availability on Tuesdays and Thursdays for two hours each day.

Paralegal/Legal Assistant Internships - ↑ top
Paralegal and/or legal assistant students assist in all aspects of discovery, including drafting discovery requests and responses, document analysis, document gathering and indexing depositions and assist with trial preparation.

Communication Internships - ↑ top
Communication internships are available to undergraduate and graduate students with strong oral and writing skills. The intern’s responsibilities will include developing and maintaining media lists; developing and maintaining newsletter contact lists; tracking coverage of SLC in the media; drafting and sending press releases; and writing and editing copy for SLC’s newsletter. Knowledge of Adobe InDesign and Microsoft Excel are a plus.

Undergraduate Internships - ↑ top
Undergraduate interns assist with factual investigation and research; review responses to public records requests; and assist with various aspects of discovery such as document analysis, organization and indexing depositions. Juniors or seniors preferred. Knowledge of Microsoft Excel is a plus.

HOW TO APPLY

Most positions are unpaid, but see links below for outside funding opportunities. College or law school credit also is available. Excellent research, oral and written communication skills are required for all positions. A demonstrated interest in law, civil rights, the needs of low-income individuals and/or public policy is a plus.

To apply, please submit:

• a one-page cover letter stating your objectives and expectations of a student position at Southern Legal Counsel, how the position relates to your goals and for which semester you are applying;
• your resume, including three references;
• a relevant writing sample, seven pages or less in length (this can be a paper that you have previously written for academic coursework); and
• an official or unofficial transcript.

Mail all application materials to Southern Legal Counsel, 1229 N.W. 12th Avenue, Gainesville, Florida, 32601, Attn: Kirsten Clanton.

OUTSIDE FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

• Florida Bar Foundation Legal Services Summer Fellowship Program
• Center for Governmental Responsibility at the University of Florida Levin College of Law Public Service Law Fellowship Program
• Stetson College of Law Public Service Fellowship Program
• National Lawyers Guild Haywood Burns Memorial Fellowship for Social and Economic Justice
• Equal Justice Works Summer Corps
• American Bar Association John J. Curtin, Jr. Justice Fund Legal Internship Program