The primary focus for interns is eviction defense, which is an active and fast-paced civil litigation practice and the bulk of the cases LAE sees. Because evictions are summary proceedings, summer interns are able to work on cases from start to finish. The quick pace of the litigation gives interns an opportunity to participate in all aspects of a case: interviewing clients and evaluating the case for merit; drafting pleadings and discovery plans; preparing for depositions; participating in Court-mandated settlement conferences; and trial preparation.

In addition, we often enter eviction lawsuits at critical moments in the procedural process when clients have defaulted and evictions are imminent. This work requires the immediate filing of motions and ex parte applications. Court Certified students are able to make these appearances and argue these motions. We also work closely with community social workers and medical professionals around disability rights and requests for reasonable accommodations for housing retention.

In addition to Eviction Defense/Housing, our primary practice areas are Income Support, Elder Abuse Prevention, Health, End of Life Planning and Debt Collection Defense. Interns may be able to work on other cases on a limited basis.

LAE also welcomes applications from third-year law students/law school graduates seeing fellowship sponsors.

Certified paralegals and paralegal students are encouraged to apply. Paralegal interns will work directly with LAE staff and are given the opportunity to work with clients, learn substantive and procedural aspects of the law as well as draft correspondence and legal pleadings.

Paralegal Interns also have the opportunity to participate in weekly case review meetings and conduct intake interviews and factual investigation of new cases.