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Rural Summer Legal Corps

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Rural communities in the U.S. and its territories face a shortage of lawyers, with a large population of the country being forced to travel hundreds of miles to find legal assistance. Participate in Rural Summer Legal Corps (RSLC) and help address the access-to-justice crisis for people living in rural areas.

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. 

The application for the 2023 Rural Summer Legal Corps is now open!

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:

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].

Resources

Learn more about the Rural Summer Legal Corps.

  • View Law Student FAQs
  • View the 2023 Host Organization List
  • Register for a webinar:
  • View information for Host Organizations
  • View Host Organization FAQs
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
RSLC Host Organizations

View All Host Organizations

Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Inc.

MISSOURI / St. Louis, Hannibal, Union

Programs
  • Design-Your-Own Fellowship
  • Rural Summer Legal Corps

North Mississippi Rural Legal Services

MISSISSIPPI / Oxford

Programs
  • Rural Summer Legal Corps

North Penn Legal Services, Inc.

Programs
  • Rural Summer Legal Corps

Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, Inc.

ILLINOIS / Carbondale

Programs
  • Rural Summer Legal Corps

New Mexico Legal Aid

NEW MEXICO / Selected Pueblos

Programs
  • Rural Summer Legal Corps

Indiana Legal Services, Inc.

INDIANA / Indianapolis

Programs
  • Elder Justice Program
  • Rural Summer Legal Corps

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