The Civil Liberties Defense Center will be awarding summer stipends to support future civil rights attorneys and public interest law. Stipends will be awarded in the amount of $2,500 each and will not be disbursed until mid-July, 2008.
In order to be considered for a stipend, applications are due by 5:00 P.M. on April 1, 2008. Please submit applications to the address above (electronic or hard copy). Confirmation of receipt of your application will be sent to each applicant via email. If you do not receive confirmation of receipt of your application by April 4, 2008, or if you have any questions about this process, please contact Lauren Regan at lregan@cldc.org.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
Only students who will be enrolled at an accredited law school in the 2008-09 academic year may apply. You must work for at least ten weeks and you must provide the number of hours you will work in your application for a stipend. The number of hours worked is likely to affect the amount of any stipend received. If you do not complete at least ten weeks or the projected number of hours worked, you must reimburse Civil Liberties Defense Center on a pro rata basis for the time not worked. Exceptions may be made for severe illness, injury, or other emergency. The CLDC strongly encourages diversity.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Applications submitted for consideration must include the following items:
1. A cover letter indicating your name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, law school, and a list of courses completed. The cover letter should include the following:
- an explanation of why you want to work for the CLDC
- past employment experience that will assist your work at the CLDC (legal and non-legal)
- languages spoken and fluency
- computer skills, such as web updating, powerpoint, excel.¬ÝWe are a MAC office.
- any other pro bono or volunteer work you have done and in what capacity
2. Resume with 3 references, one of whom should be familiar with your legal writing and research skills, and one ideally who can speak to your volunteer commitment and skills
3. One copy of the CLDC volunteer application form.
SELECTION PROCESS
The selection committee is made up of the board and staff of the CLDC which includes lawyers and activists. You may be contacted by telephone for a brief informal interview. Decisions will be announced no later than April 10, 2008.
STIPEND RECIPIENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Applicants will be notified once the selection committee makes the summer stipend awards and recipients will be instructed as to how and when they will receive those funds. By August 30, 2008, all recipients are requested to submit a written summary of their summer work experience. This summary, including your name and the projects you worked on, may be used in promotional materials, including Civil Liberties Defense Center's web site. Please indicate on the summary if you have any restrictions as to the use of this information. If you do not complete the ten weeks or the projected number of hours worked that was indicated on your application, you must notify Civil Liberties Defense Center. You may be required to reimburse Civil Liberties Defense Center on a pro rata basis for the time not worked although exceptions may be made for severe illness, injury, or other emergency. Recipients should be aware that stipend awards may have federal and state tax consequences.
