WHO ARE WE?

Created in 2001, HRC’s Litigation Department has become one of the country’s most consistent enforcers of housing discrimination laws. HRC’s attorneys prosecute cases on behalf of housing discrimination victims, provide in-house counsel to the organization, and conduct trainings of housing industry professionals in fair housing compliance.

HRC’s attorneys have achieved millions of dollars for their clients and court supervision of many thousands of apartments and condominium units throughout Los Angeles and Ventura County.

To find out more, vist the Holdings, In the News or Achievements sections of our website.

WHAT IS HRC’S SUMMER LAW CLERK PROGRAM?

In 2001, HRC began its very successful Summer Law Clerk Program that allows law students to gain hands-on experience through a comprehensive 10-week program under supervision of HRC’s attorneys. The summer includes an intensive 4-day orientation to the HRC and training on the fair housing laws.

Our clerks are drawn from numerous prominent institutions within Southern California, including UCLA, USC, Loyola Law School, Pepperdine University, Whittier College, Chapman University, UC San Diego School of Law, Thomas Jefferson School of Law and Southwestern University School of Law. 

THE HRC SUMMER LAW CLERK EXPERIENCE . . .

Erik Ideta clerked for us in 2006 and commented, “The summer clerkship with HRC far exceeded my expectations. I had the opportunity to research important issues for

cases  . . . The staff is awesome– fun to work for, supportive, and serious about the success and growth of their clerks. Clerking with HRC was a tremendous experience.”

Marybeth Lipp Smith, who clerked for us during her 1st year of law school, currently a staff attorney with the U.S. Central District Federal Court described her experience this way: “The experience and contacts that I made helped me with the rest of my time in law school.”

Kathleen Goncalves, who also clerked for us during her 1st year of law school, currently is an attorney with the Tulare County Department of Child Support Services had this to say: “I learned a lot about the challenges that face a non-profit as well as learned a lot about the part of lawyering they don't teach you in law school, which is how to deal with clients.  I also received the added benefit of confirming within myself that I truly wanted to work in either a non-profit or some type of government work where I could continue to help people who couldn't afford private attorneys.” “I would absolutely recommend this internship to any law student.”

EXTERNS

HRC provides opportunities to students interested in externships in the fall, spring, or summer session for academic credit. If you are interested in an externship, please apply as directed below.

WHAT TYPE OF PROJECTS DO LAW CLERKS AND EXTERNS WORK ON?

HRC’s law clerks and externs are assigned substantive projects related to on–going cases and research for forthcoming publication. Almost all of our summer clerks assist in the writing of motions and legal memoranda; perform legal research; attend depositions, hearings, and/or trials; support the agency’s policy work; and network with others in Los Angeles’ public interest legal field.

HOW TO APPLY

HRC is looking for 1st and 2nd year law students with a demonstrated commitment to diverse communities, working in the public interest, and the advancement of civil rights.

Summer Law Clerk Program

In order to be considered for HRC’s Summer Law Clerk Program, please email the following to Michelle Uzeta, Litigation Director at muzeta@hrc-la.org:

Cover Letter
Resume
Writing Sample (approximately 5 pages)
Deadline to apply is February 1, 2008 (accepted on a rolling basis).

Externships

HRC externships are given to 1st and 2nd year law students during the Spring or Fall semester for academic credit. If you are interested please email the following to Michelle Uzeta, Litigation Director at muzeta@hrc-la.org:

Cover Letter
Resume
Writing Sample (approximately 5 pages)

EVENTS WHERE YOU CAN FIND US

HRC regularly attends public interest fairs at Loyola Law School, Southwestern University School of Law, UCLA and USC. In addition, HRC’s attorneys always participate in and conduct interviews at the Southern California Public Interest Career Day.