JusticeCorps (AmeriCorps) Opportunity

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Recruiting Organization: Los Angeles JusticeCorps

Thousands of people are denied adequate access to the courts because they cannot afford attorney representation or because language barriers prevent them from understanding how to navigate the court system. Fortunately, individuals like YOU can help! The goal of the JusticeCorps program is to promote and increase equal access to justice by directly assisting individuals who cannot afford attorneys with their family, housing, or small claims related legal matters.

Experience

No legal experience or knowledge is required! JusticeCorps members are trained to assist and educate self-represented litigants. Members will teach self-represented litigants legal concepts and how to complete court documents, as well as help prepare them for their own case in court. Prospective volunteers with language skills will have an opportunity to translate and interpret for litigants with limited English proficiency.

All majors are welcomed. Prospective JusticeCorps members are not required to be interested in pursuing a legal career. If you want to develop transferable skills and are interested in giving back to your community, serving a population that is in need, or promoting social justice, JusticeCorps will provide you with a unique opportunity to do so.

Interested applicants can serve throughout the school year or during the summer. Currently, we are recruiting applicants for the 2022-2023 Student Member program. You must be a current undergraduate student during your time of service.

JusticeCorps Member Description

JusticeCorps members are undergraduate students or recent graduates who serve in self-help legal access centers or resource centers within the Los Angeles Superior Court and assist court users by providing legal information and education to self-represented litigants. Examples of tasks include assisting self-represented litigants understand and complete court documents, explaining legal concepts to self-represented litigants, and assisting JusticeCorps Fellows in family and housing law workshops.

Requirements

• 17 years or older.

• Currently enrolled in college and possess a high school diploma or GED.

• U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States (eligibility documentation must be presented at time of interview).

• Ability to pass Los Angeles County security check, LiveScan background check, and National Sex Offender Public Registry database check. Applicants who reside outside of California at the time the application is submitted are also required to clear a background check from that state.

Commitment

• Participants are required to complete 300 hours of service (this includes training workshops and reflection sessions held during some weekday evenings and weekends).

• Participants must be able to serve 6 to 8 hours per week (school year program) or 35 hours a week (summer program).

Ideal Candidates

• Are motivated by a commitment to public service and have past community service, customer service, or volunteer experience

• Have the ability to work effectively in a multicultural and stressful environment

• Possess strong verbal communication and writing skills

• Have good organizational skills and ability to follow through with assigned tasks

• Have the ability to interact professionally with court users, peers, court staff, supervisors, and bench officers

Benefits

• This position is unpaid, however participants who successfully complete the program are eligible for $1,374.60 Segal AmeriCorps Education Award

• Professional development and networking opportunities

• Access to the AmeriCorps Alumni Network after successfully completion of the program

Application Process

To find out more information and apply to JusticeCorps, visit http://www.courts.ca.gov/justicecorps.htm

Impact of COVID-19: JusticeCorps is still running a robust, yet scaled down version of the program during Covid. Participants will be expected to serve in person beginning September 2022. The program runs from September 10, 2022- May/June 2023 (depending on your campus academic schedule).

Vaccination Policy: All applicants must be able to show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 prior to beginning service with the Court.

You are considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19 2 weeks after you:

• Received a Johnson & Johnson (J&J)/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine, or
• Received a second dose of a Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, or
• Finished the series of a COVID-19 vaccine that has been listed for emergency use by the World Health Organization [WHO]

Individuals with a medical condition that prevents them from getting a vaccine, as verified by their medical provider, or those with a confirmed sincerely held religious belief that prohibits them from receiving a vaccine, may request to be excused from this vaccination requirement as a reasonable accommodation to their medical condition or religion. The Court will review requests for accommodation on a case-by-case basis consistent with its existing procedures for reasonable accommodation requests.

Stipend ProvidedFalse

Training ProvidedFalse

Housing AvailableFalse

Language/Cultral Support AvailableFalse

Wheelchair AccessibleFalse

Fee RequiredFalse

Fee Amount: None

This opportunity is recurring