Summer clerkship Opportunities
For Law Students
The Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i, Hawaii’s oldest and largest non-profit law firm, provides legal assistance to low- and moderate-income individuals and families in the areas of housing, consumer protection, public benefit, family and immigration.
Legal Aid hosts 4 - 6 summer law clerks each year. Positions may be available in our Honolulu, Waianae, Kaneohe, Kauai, Hilo, Maui, and Hawai‘i Immigrant Justice Center at Legal Aid offices.
Legal Aid hosts 4 - 6 summer law clerks each year. Positions may be available in our Honolulu, Waianae, Kaneohe, Kauai, Hilo, Maui, and Hawai‘i Immigrant Justice Center at Legal Aid offices.
Legal Aid’s Summer Law Clerks are either assigned to an office, unit or project where they conduct legal research, draft pleadings, and meet with clients; or assigned more generally to take on assignments from different offices, units or projects.
Summer law clerks are expected to work full-time for 10 weeks
beginning on May 28 to August 2, 2024.
Legal Aid’s Summer Law Clerks are also expected to participate in a summer book club which focuses on the history and culture of the Hawaiian Islands and weekly meetings with attorneys from across the program to learn more about their areas of practice and their pathway to a public interest career.
The work of summer law clerks may include:
The work of summer law clerks may include:
Direct Client Contact and Representation
Law Students often have the opportunity to participate in ongoing representation side by side with their supervising attorneys. Students may interview and counsel clients, draft pleadings, prepare discovery, assist in teaching “clinics” and, in some cases, may even represent clients in Department of Human Services, Social Security Administration and/or Child Support Enforcement Agency administrative proceedings.
Develop Written Materials
Summer law clerks develop, format, and revise written materials and court forms which assist clients with common legal and economic problems.
Research Projects
Law students' skills in research and writing are often utilized for research projects.
Funding
Law students are encouraged to find their own funding through public interest grants, including APIL grants. Potential APIL applicants should apply with Legal Aid early. Assistance with placements and grant review are provided. The Chris Iijima Fellowship, provided in partnership with APIL, will provide a modest stipend to one student selected to serve at the Hawai‘i Immigrant Justice Center at Legal Aid.
A resume, three references, and cover letter should be submitted in electronic format to Tiane Inciong at [email protected].
The cover letter should include information on the student’s interest or connection in working in Hawai‘i and those with a strong preference for office or subject matter focus should indicate that as well. Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled, but students are encouraged to apply early and well in advance of the APIL Grant application deadline.
