Law Clerk (VOCAP) - Veterans Justice Center

Overview

Law Clerk (VOCAP) – Veterans Justice Center at Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles. The position is part of a special program created using designated educational stipend funds. There is no assurance of ongoing funding or employment beyond the Spring 2025 semester.

The Organization

LAFLA is a nonprofit law firm that protects and advances the rights of the most underserved—leveling the playing field and ensuring that everyone can have access to the justice system. Celebrating 95 years of service to Los Angeles communities, LAFLA is the first and most experienced legal aid organization in Greater Los Angeles. LAFLA has more than 200 employees, including more than 100 attorneys, who provide free services and resources on a broad range of civil legal issues that impact healthy, safety, and self-sufficiency. Every year, LAFLA helps more than 100,000 people find their voice, regain control of their lives, and build a brighter future. Our unique combination of neighborhood offices, self-help centers at courthouses, and domestic violence clinics puts LAFLA on the frontlines in communities at the forefront of change. LAFLA also engages in impact litigation to help enact long-term systemic change—actively collaborating with a network of public and private partners to expand access to justice, identify needs in the communities we serve, and change laws and policies that adversely affect the underserved. For more information, please visit www.lafla.org.

Veterans Justice Center and VOCAP

The Veterans Justice Center (VJC) is the oldest free legal services program for Veterans in Los Angeles County. VJC staff advocate on behalf of Veterans to obtain life-sustaining income, health, and housing benefits; dismiss tickets and expunge convictions so Veterans can have a fresh start; upgrade unjust less-than-honorable military discharges; and prevent Veteran homelessness. The VJC law clerk will work on our Veterans of Color Advocacy Project (VOCAP), the first project of its kind geared toward assisting Veterans with criminal records through the expungement process. Clerks will interview and complete intake with clients, assist in the preparation and execution of legal clinics, write research memoranda; draft pleadings and motions; prepare cases for hearing; help develop training materials; and make appearances in Criminal Court with their supervising attorneys. Certified law students may also argue motions under the close supervision of one of our attorneys.

Responsibilities

• Interview and complete intake with clients; assist in preparing and executing legal clinics
• Draft pleadings and motions; prepare cases for hearing; and develop training materials
• Prepare and assist with clinic materials; participate in remote and / or in-person legal clinics and community outreach
• Draft research memoranda; assist paralegal with clinic preparation, document review and filings
• Make appearances in Criminal Court under supervision

Qualifications

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume online to spwgjobs@lafla.org. Include "Law Clerk – VJC" in the subject line.

Probationary Period and Equal Opportunity

A six-month probationary period will be required. LAFLA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and selection is based on merit without discrimination on protected characteristics. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request during the application process or employment.

Benefits & Compensation

HYBRID WORK SCHEDULE – Depending on job classifications, some LAFLA staff are working on a manager-approved hybrid schedule, with the ability to work remotely up to half the week after the probationary period. The candidate must be local and able to work from the assigned LAFLA office.

COMMITMENT TO EMPLOYEE WELLNESS – LAFLA offers wellness-related benefits and employee assistance programs through medical plans, Wellness Friday sessions, a wellness content library, 15 observed holidays, and generous time off benefits.

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