MAKE A SERIOUS DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF OTHERS
Lawyers for Equal Justice (LEJ) seeks a few committed and talented law students who want to make a real difference in the lives of low income families and communities in Hawai`i while enjoying an opportunity to significantly increase their own capacity to engage in complex public interest litigation. We are interested in researching the potential for improving the opportunities of our clients for achievement through litigation in several important areas of need.
Opportunities are available for volunteers who wish a short term project or long term relationship with LEJ by combining extern credits, pro bono responsibilities and possible stipends. Candidates selected will receive guidance from LEJ attorneys as well as national substantive law support centers. Some examples of areas of current interest include:
- By law, the Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA) is required to provide safe rental housing to those living in public housing units in the state. Over the past several years there have been serious lapses in providing critical services to tenants in some housing projects including the long term loss of hot water and elevator service in high rise apartment buildings. LEJ has successfully advocated for multiple repairs to be made in Kuhio Park Terrace, the state’s largest housing project with 600 units. We are considering additional litigation against the state to enforce its legal responsibilities in other projects to make timely repairs when the health and safety of its tenants are threatened.
- In July, 2010, the state of Hawaii severely restricted the access to health care for legal immigrants in the country for less than 5 years and for members of the 3 nations that are included in the Compact of Free Association (COFA). LEJ filed a law suit in partnership with two private law firms to enjoin the state from discriminating against new immigrants and COFA citizens because of their alienage. LEJ could use assistance on the case as the litigation continues through the fall.
- Under federal law, the state is required to provide critical pre-natal health care to pregnant mothers. A federal report was issued last year which found that the state’s provision of pre- natal services ranked 47th out of 50 in the nation. The federal Early Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment program (EPSDT) should provide for these services. LEJ would like to research the viability of litigation against the state to ensure the provision of timely and quality pre-natal care services to the unborn keiki in Hawai`i.
- Under federal law, food stamps must be provided within definite timeframes to those who are qualified. Since July, 2009, the state has failed to meet those timeframe requirements at an increasingly alarming rate. LEJ is researching the viability of litigation against the state to enforce the federal mandates for the processing of food stamp applications.
- During this past summer, LEJ conducted interviews with 20 Guardian ad Litems in Hawaii who represent the best interests of children in foster care. The interviews indicated a serious lapse in providing foster children timely and appropriate mental health services when required. LEJ is researching advocacy alternatives to improve critical services to foster children.
Interested candidates should call LEJ Executive Director, Victor Geminiani, at (808) 587-7605 or email victor@lejhawaii.org.
Alternatively, applicants may mail an expression of interest to Victor at Lawyers for Equal Justice, P.O. Box 37952, Honolulu, Hawaii 96837-0925. We hire interns during the year on a rolling basis. Summer interns should apply no later than February 15th for consideration. Decisions are made by March.
Learn from Prior InternsOur program provides a unique opportunity for interns to be involved in developing substantial impact litigation. Below are testimonials from our prior interns:
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| Former
interns Mia Munro, Josh Gange and Whitney Patross with Elizabeth Dunne (LEJ Senior Attorney) at a hot spot, Hotel 39, in Honolulu. |
"I had never been to Hawaii before my internship with Lawyers for Equal Justice and had no idea what to expect when I boarded a plane bound for Honolulu, but I figured that in the worst case scenario I would spend a summer exploring the islands. At LEJ I quickly became occupied with some on-going projects, and began a research project of my own. Because of the small office it was very easy to get involved and the supervising attorneys were both friendly and helpful. I really enjoyed spending the summer learning about class action litigation and appreciated all the help and guidance." Whitney Patross, Cornell Law, 2009..
LEJ provided the rare opportunity to be truly involved with any and all aspects of public interest litigation. I really appreciated the ability to customize my work over the summer to focus on areas that were of the greatest interest to me. While working on issues of environmental justice, I was able to meet with other non-profit organizations and community groups, leard about the issues and history affecting Hawaiian communities, and therefore felt as though my research could really be beneficial. I highly recommend LEJ for anyone who desires to work in a small and friendly office where they will be given interesting topics and freedom to customize their research and experience." Josh Gange, NYU Law, 2009.
My summer clerkship with LEJ was both fun and educationally rewarding. I not only received a valuable introduction to public interest law, but I had the opportunity to work on several substantive issues of importance to the low-income people of Hawaii. While each intern has a different set of projects, our work often went beyond legal research and writing, taking us out of the office. I participated in outreach visits to shelters, attended a client meeting, and conducted interviews with community members. Because LEJ is a small organization, interns are given sizable responsibilities and our work assignments, by necessity, are meaningful. Interns, moreover, have constant and individualized contact with attorneys. The office atmosphere is laidback, collegial, yet fervently devoted to making systemic change. Rebecca Wirtz, 2L, Yale Law School, 2010.
During my summer at LEJ I was able to work with a great team of law students and attorneys, collaborating on a study of Hawaii's eviction process. Although only an undergraduate, I was given substantial writing and research opportunities. The work environment allowed me a lot of independence, but also as much guidance as I needed. The attorneys and law students were always friendly and helpful. I also felt like everything I did was contributing to important reform that would help real people. Perhaps the best thing I can say about LEJ is that if LEJ is what law is about, I would like to go to law school. Matt Choy, Senior, Yale University, 2010.
Click here for a guide to living in Honolulu for the summer.
About our Organization
Established in 2004 as a nonprofit legal aid program, LEJ is dedicated to achieving fairness and justice for Hawaii’s people through systemic advocacy including class action representation, judicial and legislative advocacy and partnerships with other providers of services to the low income community. LEJ seeks to provide leadership and advocacy when other organizations cannot.