NHLP Seeks Summer Law Clerks for Summer 2020

The National Housing Law Project (NHLP) is currently accepting applications from law students for summer 2020 clerkships. NHLP is committed to training law students who are making a commitment to careers in the public interest.

NHLP truly values the contributions of its law clerks and aims to ensure that each law clerk has a meaningful and rewarding experience. Several NHLP summer law clerks have returned to our organization as post-graduate fellows.

NHLP’s Summer Law Clerk Program

Working at NHLP provides a great opportunity for law students to become engaged in local, state and national housing rights issues that are central to broader social justice efforts. NHLP provides a unique perspective on housing issues in that we support direct legal services attorneys and other advocates who are facing broader, systemic housing issues.

Our attorneys provide supervision, training, and unique work opportunities in the multi-faceted area of housing law and policy. Generally, clerks are directly supervised by 1-2 staff attorneys, and often contribute to organization-wide projects as well. NHLP’s work is intersectional, meaning that clerks can gain experience in housing policy through the lens of one of our focus areas, including:

• Preserving affordable housing;
• Promoting housing rights for survivors of domestic and sexual violence and trafficking;
• Advocating for the rights of persons exiting the criminal justice system;
• Preventing foreclosure;
• Advancing fair and equal access to housing free from discrimination;
• Ensuring immigrant individuals and families can access and maintain affordable housing, and;
• Providing housing opportunities for persons experiencing disabilities.

Our recent clerks have assisted with important work such as providing testimony before a state fair housing council regarding proposed regulations; drafting comments and advocacy letters to federal agencies; and writing legal memos on cutting-edge issues impacting federally assisted housing.

Clerks will have opportunities to develop a writing sample and strengthen their policy advocacy skills during the summer.

Additionally, NHLP holds several social events during the summer; invites clerks to attend coalition meetings and advocacy calls; provides training opportunities; and hosts a summer law clerk brownbag series where staff attorneys discuss a range of topics, such as substantive work areas and career planning.

NHLP is happy to work with students who will be receiving credit, work study, or a stipend from their schools for their clerkship.

Qualifications and How to Apply

Ideal candidates must possess the following:

• Outstanding research and writing skills;
• A strong commitment to working with low-income and underserved populations; and
• An ability to work independently as well as a member of a team.

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, self-edited writing sample, and 3 references to: Bridgett Simmons, Staff Attorney, BSimmons@nhlp.org.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, and so we encourage early applications.

Commitment to Equal Opportunity

NHLP is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Candidates who would contribute to our diversity are strongly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation is available for qualified individuals with disabilities, upon request.