​AmeriCorps Service Opportunity
Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i’s AmeriCorps Project Kaulike
Full-Time AmeriCorps Advocates
The AmeriCorps program at Legal Aid helps provide legal services to
Hawaii's ​low income and disadvantaged individuals and families.  
What is AmeriCorps?
​
AmeriCorps, a federal agency, brings people together to tackle the country's most pressing challenges, through national service and volunteering. AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities. AmeriCorps helps make service to others a cornerstone of our national culture. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.​
Are you a recent graduate considering a career or law or a professional considering a career change?
Looking for meaningful opportunities to build your resume or law school application?
Are you committed to serving your community and those in need? 
​Legal Aid’s AmeriCorps Member Advocates positions may be the right opportunity for you!   
​​
Full-Time positions are available on O‘ahu, on Hawai‘i Island in Kona, Maui, and Kaua‘i. 
The Mission and Duties:

Project Kaulike is a key component of the Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i’s efforts to provide legal services to Hawai‘i’s low-income and disadvantaged individuals and families. Project Kaulike members are non-attorney advocates working alongside and under the guidance of Legal Aid attorneys and paralegals. 
  
  • Intake and Direct Client Services: Members assist clients with application for services, provide brief legal assistance to clients in legal aid offices, teach legal clinics, and may even represent clients in administrative hearings.
  • Self-Help Center/Access to Justice Rooms: Members also assist unrepresented individuals navigating the civil justice system at courthouse-based self-help centers and in Legal Aid offices across the state. Members work alongside private attorneys volunteering their time at the self-help centers and assist in volunteer recruitment and scheduling.    
  • Outreach and Education: Members conduct outreach and education and assist in the development of self-help tools.  
Through service, members build and gain:
  • Professional non-profit experience
  • Hands on legal education and experience
  • Passion and growth while serving our community
  • Pride in being part of a renowned National Service program
  • Service alongside passionate and committed team members
  • Strengthen core values to take on your educational/professional journey
We are looking for individuals who have good people skills, an interest in helping others, good computer skills, an interest in the law, and who excel working as part of a team. Experience working with disadvantaged individuals and/or legal experience is helpful but not required.  Training is provided.    
​These positions are uniquely suited for individuals considering a career in law and who are committed to service.  While the benefits are modest, the experience is tremendous. ​  ​
The Commitment: 

Serving full-time, at least 1700 hours of service over one full year starting September 1, 2023. While some services are currently being provided remotely, presence in Hawai‘i during the term of service is required. Members must complete criminal history background checks & sex-offender check clearance prior to start of service and be otherwise eligible to serve under the rules of the AmeriCorps program (www.nationalservice.gov).

The Benefits:

Annual living allowance of $26,000 (for 12 full months of service). At the completion of service, members earn a $6,895 education award which can be used to pay qualifying education expenses. Members over 60 years of age can transfer education award to certain family members. Health insurance is provided to full-time members and childcare assistance is available to qualifying members. Qualifying loans may also be placed in forbearance during service with interest being repaid at the end of a successful year of service.  See www.nationalservice.gov for more information about AmeriCorps benefits.

Are you interested?

​To apply, please submit resume and cover letter to jobs@legalaidhawaii.org.  Please indicate location of interest. Applicants who are not residing in Hawai‘i at the time of application are requested to please include information related to your connection to, or specific interest in, Hawai‘i. Applicants are considered without regard to race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, political affiliation, or religion.
Member Testimonials

“AmeriCorps gave me an opportunity to learn, serve and do meaningful work. It grounded me and re-aligned my beliefs as I move forward in the legal world. For that, I am forever grateful!” – Shaela, current member
“AmeriCorps provided me an opportunity to work with the community I wanted to serve.  The conferences gathered members from different organizations.”  – Connie, former member, current Managing Attorney 
“I am thankful for my AmeriCorps experiences. With AmeriCorps I was able to connect with my community, and meet other like-minded public servants. It was a fantastic opportunity!”  - Laura, former member, current Staff Attorney