​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 in law or a professional considering a career change?
  • Looking for meaningful opportunities to build your resume or law school application?
  • Are you committed to making a difference by 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 (Honolulu, Kāne'ohe & Waianae) and Maui.
The Mission and Duties:   

Project Kaulike is a key component of the Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi’s efforts to provide legal services to Hawaiʻi’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, and may even represent clients in administrative hearings.  

  • Self-Help Center/Access to Justice Rooms: Members 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 & Gain: 

  • Professional nonprofit 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;
  • Strengthened core values to take on your educational/professional journey; 
  • A living allowance and education award.
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, 2024. While some services are currently being provided remotely, presence in Hawaiʻi during the term of service is required. Members must complete criminal history background checks & sex-offender check clearance prior to the 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 $28,000 (for 12 full months of service).  At service completion, members earn a $7,395 education award which can be used to pay qualifying education expenses.  Members over 60 years of age can transfer their 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 your resume and cover letter to [email protected].   

Please indicate the location of interest. Applicants who are not residing in Hawaiʻi at the time of application are requested to please include information related to your connection to, or specific interest in, Hawaiʻi.   Applicants are considered without regard to race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, political affiliation, or religion. 

Member Testimonials:
  
  • “Completing the AmeriCorps service term proved to be an incredible chance to develop my interest in the legal profession. I was able to serve and learn from a wonderfully diverse pool of people, all whilst working on a broad variety of issues. I will cherish the ‘ike I gained for this experience for the rest of my life!” – Sarah, 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  

“As a Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi’ AmeriCorps member, each day I discover more about myself and others, supported by an encouraging staff who trust in my potential. Contributing to Legal Aid's mission of fairness and justice is both humbling and fulfilling. I am truly grateful for the experience.”  - Sara, current member.