Description:

The Trans Justice Project supports transgender and gender diverse people. Although this aspect of our project has slowed during the current presidential administration, we support individual clients by assisting them in filing for name and gender marker changes and informing them of their rights. Under new California state law, we also support clients in making their name and gender marker changes confidential. Additionally, we conduct research and create informational and advocacy materials about legal issues impacting trans people, including about new state laws and federal funding restrictions. We also hope to hold an in-person clinic, panel, or info session this year. Students will have flexibility about what projects they want to get involved with. This pro bono project is ideal for anyone passionate about trans advocacy, and it is also great for students looking to gain a variety of skills that can be applied in other experiences and areas of interest.

Commitment Required of All New Members:

In total, ~6 hours per quarter.
– Legal Research (~3 hours per opportunity): involves conducting research on laws and policies impacting trans people and creating informational resources such as flyers and know your rights materials.
– Direct Services (~0-3 hours per opportunity): involves meeting with clients and filling out legal paperwork. Time commitment depends on how many clients we receive. Because of anti-trans sentiment and policies, there have been few clients recently.

Open Membership Spots: 10

Adv. Degree Student Participation: Permitted

Winter Start: Permitted; Fall Start Preferred

Eligible for Meeting NYS Bar Pro Bono Requirement: Depends on nature of project

Language Ability Preference: None

Trauma-Informed Training: Mandatory

Project Leaders: Sammy Raucher, Melanie Schwimmer & Max O’Hare