The Public Interest Law Project

About PILP

Employment Opportunities

PILP Currently has 3 open positions:

Fellowship Candidate to Sponsor in Fall 2009
Public Benefits Staff Attorney
Externs starting Fall 2008

Fellowship Candidate to Sponsor in Fall 2009

The Public Interest Law Project (“PILP”) is seeking to sponsor a Class of 2009 graduate or judicial law clerk for post graduate public interest fellowships. Interested candidates should consult with us regarding the development of viable proposals. We are interested in proposals which seek to make real improvements in access to and continued receipt of public benefits, including health care, subsistence benefits, disaster relief and protection of foster youth and persons with disabilities.

Our litigation and policy work in the area of public benefits focuses on disability rights, protection of foster youth, health care, subsistence benefits and disaster relief. For example:

McWaters v. FEMA, 408 F. Supp. 2d 221, (E.D. La 2005): A nationwide class action on behalf of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita displacees that enjoined FEMA from terminating emergency shelter assistance.
Santos v. County of Alameda (N.D. Cal): A federal court settlement agreement prohibiting the County from terminating subsistence benefits of recipients with mental disabilities.
Leonard v. Wagner ( Cal. Super. Ct. of San Francisco): This action challenges the State of California’s “completion rule,” which deprives foster children with disabilities, who cannot be expected to complete school by age 19 because of their disabilities, the same opportunity that their peers without disabilities have to participate in the AFDC-FC program between the ages of 18 and 19.
Development of SSI Transitions Project: PILP is leading a project to ensure the successful transition of foster youth with disabilities from foster care through improved transition planning and provision of critical subsistence benefits prior to their emancipation from care.
PILP also coordinates the Public Benefits Justice group, a statewide coalition consisting of legal services and other advocates, who work collectively to combat systemic barriers to public benefits programs through litigation and administrative and legislative advocacy.

How to Apply to Be Sponsored for Fellowships: Candidates should demonstrate a clear commitment to social and economic justice, excellent writing and legal research skills, and the energy and motivation to be a successful Fellow. We will work closely with our candidate to develop a project that fits within our priority areas of public benefits and also welcome ideas from candidates who have already begun to develop a project. Projects may focus on a combination of advocacy, including litigation and administrative and legislative advocacy, and involve some direct client service but not extensive client intake.

Interested candidates should submit:

(1) Cover letter addressing their interest and experience in public interest and poverty law and describing any ideas for a fellowship proposal,
(2) Resume,
(3) Two brief legal writing samples,
(4) Law school transcript, and
(5) List of three references.

Please email materials to Steve Ronfeldt at fellows@pilpca.org. Applications will also be accepted via U.S. Mail.

PILP is an equal opportunity employer. People of color, women, persons with disabilities and other persons in underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

DEADLINE: August 1, 2008

Complete Job Announcement

Public Benefits Staff Attorney

Position Description: The Public Interest Law Project (“PILP”) is seeking a staff attorney to serve as lead counsel or co-counsel in state and federal court litigation involving public benefits. PILP is a state support center for legal services and State Bar IOLTA funded law offices, represents low-income persons and seeks to improve their lives through major litigation and policy advocacy in public benefits, housing, and civil rights. The Project was established in 1996 to continue class action and other major advocacy without federal funding from the Legal Services Corporation.

Job Responsibilities: In conjunction with PILP’s other public benefits attorneys and local program attorneys, the staff attorney will litigate public benefits related issues in cases involving such programs as Medi-Cal, CalWORKs, Food Stamps, General Assistance, SSI, and foster care. Examples of duties include: Interviewing plaintiffs, investigating facts, researching and drafting memoranda on potential legal claims, drafting complaints, undertaking discovery and conducting depositions, negotiating, filing motions, presenting oral arguments, and pursuing attorney fee awards. The staff attorney will also undertake administrative and legislative advocacy, including analyzing proposed legislation and participating in state and county taskforces or pilot projects to improve public benefits and social services. In addition, the staff attorney will conduct trainings and prepare community education materials to advise attorneys in legal services, IOLTA funded law offices, and other individuals on public benefits issues.

Requirements: Member in good standing of the California State Bar, or willingness to sit for the California Bar. Federal and state court litigation experience, particularly in the areas of public benefits, civil rights, or health law is desirable. The candidate must demonstrate a strong commitment to advocacy on behalf of low-income communities and knowledge of local, state and national issues affecting low-income communities. Excellent research, writing, communication and group interaction skills are essential.

Start Date: Position will remain open until filled – flexible as to precise start date.

How to Apply: Please send a resume, writing sample and list of references to Steve Ronfeldt at jobs@pilpca.org. Email is preferred, but, if necessary, mail materials to address above.

Salary is based on a fixed scale based on years of legal experience. PILP offers a generous benefits package.

PILP is an equal opportunity employer. People of color, women, persons with disabilities and other persons in underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Complete Job Announcement

Externs

Position Description: We seek externs for 10-15 hours per week starting in Fall 2008.

Desirable Candidates: 1L, 2L part-time, 2L, 3L part-time, 3L, 4L, LLM

Requirements: Applicants should demonstrate a strong commitment to advocacy on behalf of low-income communities. We seek candidates with excellent research, writing, communication and group interaction skills.

How to Apply: Please send Cover Letter, Resume and Writing Sample to .