The Equal Justice Works Summer Corps program engages law students around the country who are working to expand the delivery of legal services to those who need it most. Throughout the summer, members serve 300 hours at a nonprofit public interest organization of their choice and earn a $1,000 AmeriCorps education award voucher.

2008 Summer Corps Accomplishments

• Directly assisted 18,395 individuals and families in need of legal services
• Performed a total of 120,434 service hours
• Served 234 nonprofit organizations in 37 states and the District of Columbia
• Represented more than 100 Equal Justice Works Member Law Schools

In addition to meeting the needs of underserved communities, Summer Corps members gain important skills and experience throughout the course of their service.

"I had more client contact than most third-year associates at big law firms have. That experience was invaluable as I learned how to deal with clients and get the necessary information from them. I also learned what additional questions I should ask of clients and learned how to anticipate what sorts of questions the clients would ask so that I could better serve all of them."

What Summer Corps Members Say About Summer Corps

Of the 2008 Summer Corps members who were surveyed, 99.7 percent said they would recommend the Summer Corps program to other law students.

"I would never say anything was perfect, however the Equal Justice Works Summer Corps program was pretty close to it. When receiving emails, assistance with documentation, and the thank you packet in the mail, I knew I was supported and appreciated by Equal Justice Works. Coming from the South and from an area that seems to value private gain more than working for the public interest, Equal Justice Works made me feel right at home in pursuing my dream of legally representing those persons with the most need."

"A wonderful opportunity to expand your experience in law while doing good. How can you beat that?"

What Host Organizations say about Summer Corps

"Our organization greatly appreciates Equal Justice Works’ support. The Summer Corps Program provides a win-win situation in so many ways. The students are able to afford to intern with our organization due to the education award. While they are interning with our organization they gain great hands-on experience, and they allow us to assist more clients while providing the highest quality of legal assistance. Thank you."

"Thank you so much for the financial support that you provide! Our Summer Corps interns helped us serve more clients who are in desperate need of legal assistance."