NEW OPPORTUNITIES WITH THE AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION
Volunteer Opportunity-Spring 2016
Externship Opportunity for Academic Credit-Summer 2016
American Bar Association Standing Committee on Pro Bono & Public Services
The mission of the Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service is to ensure access to justice
through the expansion and enhancement of the delivery of legal and other law-related services to the
underserved through volunteer efforts of legal professionals nationwide. The Committee fosters the
development of pro bono programs and activities by law firms, bar associations, corporate legal
departments, law schools, government attorney offices and others; analyzes the scope and function of
pro bono programs; and proposes and reviews policy that affects lawyers' ability to provide pro bono
legal services. Along with its policy initiatives, the Committee actively engages in outreach to the
judiciary, government attorney offices, law schools, minority bar associations, small and mid-size law
firms, and in-house corporate legal departments.
Policy Research Intern Responsibilities
One or more student interns are sought to assist in conducting national policy research and writing
related to pro bono and public service efforts. Internship activities may include summarizing and
analyzing state policies, rules, and programs related to pro bono and public service; updating reports
and other listings of policies; and participating in other Committee meetings and planning activities.
Topics for data collection and analysis may include: state ethics rules, law school programming, bar
admission requirements, CLE rules, reporting requirements, and other pro bono innovations. Internship
projects will be established based on the student’s interests and the Committee’s research needs and all
activities will be completed under the supervision of a staff attorney.
The internship provides the student with opportunities to interact with government attorneys and pro
bono offices nationwide, as well as to gain the perspective and experiences related to major policy and
program initiatives.
Internship commitment-Volunteer Status
5-10 hours per week, for the duration of the school semester or quarter. Internships may be extended
for multiple semesters/quarters, based on agreement between the student and the Committee staff.
Externship Opportunity-This opportunity is available as an externship field placement as of the summer
semester 2016.
Eligibility
Open to all second and third year law students. Candidates must have good research and writing skills,
public interest orientation, self-initiative, and willingness to learn and work under supervision.
Compensation
Unpaid or course credit
Application instructions
Submit letter of interest, including dates and hours per week available for internship commitment,
resume, writing sample, and two references, via e-mail to April.Faith-Slaker@americanbar.org.