Rural Summer Legal Corps

Each summer, Equal Justice Works partners with the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) to support dedicated law students who want to serve rural communities, as part of the Rural Summer Legal Corps. This year, 45 Student Fellows will spend eight to ten weeks at LSC-funded civil legal aid organizations developing valuable skills and gaining hands-on experience by: 

• providing direct legal services such as client and witness interviews, legal research, and writing 
• engaging in community outreach and education including fact sheet distribution, strategic partnership development, and presentations 
• building capacity at their host organization through resource development and training sessions 

Student Fellows tackle a number of results-driven community projects including responding to disaster-related legal issues; addressing affordable housing and evictions; and providing legal aid to victims of domestic violence. 

Applications for 2023 are closed.

How to Apply

Before submitting your application, view the 2023 host site projects, and be prepared to choose your top three location choices. Applicants will be asked to provide a resumé and a personal statement describing the candidate’s interest in the program.  Applicants are also encouraged to join an informational webinar, though attendance is not required:

• Summer of Service Overview & Tips
  View the recording
• Rural Summer Legal Corps Application Tips
  View the recording

Eligibility

All applicants must: 

• Be a current law student at an Equal Justice Works member law school, who has completed at least their first year of law school by the start of their summer placement 
• Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident (e.g., green card) 
• For several placements, possess a valid driver’s license and access to adequate transportation during summer placement 

Funding

Participants will receive a $7,000 stipend for their service. Students have the option to apply for unlimited outside funding through their university or other sources. 

Program Participant Expectations

• Attend a three-day training in May 2023
• Complete 300 hours of service within an eight to ten-week period 
• Complete all required program reporting and documentation 

Host Organizations

Candidates will be required to provide their top three host organization choices. The full list of hiring host organizations is available here. 

Housing and Transportation

If applicable, it is the participant’s responsibility to obtain housing and ensure adequate transportation throughout the summer placement. Host organizations will provide general information; however, it is not the responsibility of the host organization to provide direct housing or transportation assistance. Please pay attention to whether the opportunity you are applying for is remote or in-person. 

Application Deadlines  

• January 5, 2023:
  Application opens 
• February 14, 2023:
  Application closes at 11:59 p.m. ET 
• February–March 2023:
  Interviews with host organizations conducted on a rolling basis
• March 25, 2023:
  Students notified of acceptance 

Questions?

If you have questions about Rural Summer Legal Corps, please review this website and our Frequently Asked Questions or send an email to [email protected].