The Opportunity
The Asian Law Caucus (ALC) seeks a full-time legal fellow with a strong commitment to public interest and social justice. ALC is seeking candidates who have innovative project ideas that relate to one or more of our legal program areas. The position is contingent upon securing funding through a sponsoring organization.
The Legal Fellow will work with one of ALC's legal programs to advance and protect the civil rights of Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and other vulnerable communities. The Legal Fellow will be an integral part of either the National Security and Civil Rights and Community Safety programs, which are currently soliciting fellows.
The Organization
ALC is the nation’s first legal organization focusing on advancing and defending the civil rights of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (APIs). Since 1972, ALC has preserved affordable housing in San Francisco’s Chinatown, litigated high-profile civil rights cases, advocated for the passage of landmark policy changes, and provided an array of services, including community education, advocacy, and direct client representation to further the rights of low-income immigrants and communities of color. Current program areas include Housing Rights, Immigrant Rights, Community Safety, National Security & Civil Rights, Workers’ Rights, and Voting Rights.
ALC is based in San Francisco, a hub of the Asian American civil rights movement, progressive politics, and social justice activism. Our location in Chinatown is the first mixed-use, affordable housing co-op in San Francisco, serving as a model for preserving affordable housing in the city and protecting tenants’ rights.
Responsibilities (training to be provided as needed)
- Conduct legal research and analysis on issues impacting Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.
- Assist staff attorneys in drafting legal documents such as briefs, pleadings, and motions for submission to courts and administrative agencies.
- Provide legal support and representation to clients through direct legal services, including consultations, intakes, and representation at hearings and in court.
- Develop and maintain relationships with community partners and coalitions to engage in policy advocacy and impact litigation.
- Assist in the development and implementation of advocacy campaigns, including policy research, drafting policy proposals, and engaging with elected officials and government agencies.
- Participate in trainings, workshops, and other community education activities to build knowledge and awareness on legal issues impacting Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.
Qualifications (required)
- Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school and admitted to practice law in California or eligible to practice under the supervision of a licensed California attorney.
- Strong legal research and writing skills, including experience drafting legal briefs and pleadings.
- Experience working with diverse communities, particularly low-income, immigrant, and/or limited English speaking communities.
- Demonstrated commitment to social justice and civil rights, particularly issues impacting Asian American Pacific Islander communities.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and community partners.
- Fluency in an API language, Arabic, and/or Spanish highly desirable
The position requires working with individuals who may be experiencing stress and instability. The position also requires the provision of culturally-sensitive and empathetic services.