Become a Fellow
Elder Justice Program
Elder abuse has been referred to as a “hidden epidemic” in the United States, with estimates that 1 out of every 10 people age 60 and older are victims of caregiver neglect, financial fraud and exploitation, and/or psychological, physical, and sexual abuse every year.
The Elder Justice Program mobilizes 22 Fellows across the country to address the gap in civil legal services for victims of elder abuse and exploitation, with a special emphasis in serving rural communities. Fellows serve at legal services organizations for a two-year term, where they work with victims of elder abuse and exploitation to enforce their rights and address wide-ranging civil legal issues, such as financial exploitation, housing, protection orders, guardianship, and public benefits, and make referrals to other supportive services. Fellows are part of a nationwide cohort aimed at increasing coordinated, multidisciplinary responses to the victimization of older adults.
In addition to the training and mentorship Fellows receive from their host organizations, the Elder Justice Program provides targeted trainings and technical assistance throughout the Fellowship term. These include, but are not limited to:
- Kick-off training event
- Substantive and skills-based webinars throughout the Fellowship
- Equal Justice Works Leadership Development Training in Washington, D.C.
- Opportunity to attend one national conference that directly supports their elder justice practice
- Individualized one-on-one technical assistance and case consultation
Fellows in the program must work as full-time employees and be attorneys licensed and admitted to practice in the applicable jurisdiction. Fellows’ salary and benefits are determined by the host organization in accordance with its policies.
If you have any questions about the program, please contact Equal Justice Works at [email protected].
The Elder Justice Program is supported by an award from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), Award Number 2019-V3-GX-K033. This federal funding is supplemented by funds from private donors.
Meet Our Fellows
Read about the Elder Justice Program Fellows who are addressing the gap in civil legal services for victims of elder abuse and exploitation.
Elder Justice Program Host Organizations
Prairie State Legal Services
ILLINOIS / Rockford
ILLINOIS / Bloomington
ILLINOIS / Galesburg
Programs
- Design-Your-Own Fellowship
- Elder Justice Program
Montana Legal Services Association
MONTANA / Billings
MONTANA / Helena
MONTANA / Missoula
Programs
- Crime Victims Advocacy Program
- Elder Justice Program
- Rural Summer Legal Corps
Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, Inc.
FLORIDA / West Palm Beach
Programs
- Elder Justice Program
Legal Aid of Northwest Texas
TEXAS / Abilene
Programs
- Design-Your-Own Fellowship
- Elder Justice Program
- Rural Summer Legal Corps
Legal Assistance of Western New York, Inc.
NEW YORK / Ithaca
Programs
- Design-Your-Own Fellowship
- Elder Justice Program
- Rural Summer Legal Corps
Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service
MARYLAND / Baltimore
Programs
- Elder Justice Program