Description:

The Workers’ Rights Pro Bono Project helps primarily low-income workers facing legal issues at work. The Project is run through a partnership with Legal Aid at Work (LAAW), a storied legal aid non-profit based out of San Francisco. Students call clients provided by LAAW, complete their intake into a server system, and then discuss clients’ cases with supervising attorneys. Students then call clients back and walk them through legal options, such as filing complaints with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) or pursuing a case through the Labor Commission. Our purpose is to assist workers facing legal issues, train students with basic employment law skills, and provide mentorship for students through the plaintiff bar/LAAW.

Commitment Required of Members:

We will ask students to meet at least three times per quarter for 3-hour clinics. Commitments must be for the full academic year, starting in the fall and continuing through the spring. Students will also receive an initial 2.5-hour orientation. This year we may include a section to orientation about trauma-informed client management. Students will provide advice and counseling under the supervision of experienced employment law attorneys.

Open Membership Spots: 8

Adv. Degree Student Participation: Not Permitted

Winter Start: Not Permitted; Fall Start Required

Eligible for Meeting NYS Bar Pro Bono Requirement: Likely

Language Ability Preference: As some clients are monolingual Spanish speakers, advanced Spanish language proficiency (i.e., comfortable conducting client intakes in Spanish) is highly valued.

Project Leaders: Helena Abbott, Denni Arnold, Mahshad Badii, Harry Bagenstos, Riley Burton, Stephanie Chen, Ben Clark, David Cremins, David Jaffe, Stasia Reisnger, Elliot Setzer, and David Toppelburg