Litigation Law Clerk

School Justice Project (SJP) is seeking candidates for a part-time, volunteer Law Clerk position for immediate hire. Applicants must commit to 10 hours per week for at least 10 weeks, with flexibility during law school exams and the holidays. This position is unpaid. Class credit is optional if school program allows for it. Applicants must be current 2Ls.

Organization Overview: SJP is a special education legal services organization in Washington,

DC serving students with disabilities ages 17-22 who are involved in DC’s juvenile or criminal

legal systems. SJP works to build racial justice by increasing educational equity and decreasing

mass incarceration. SJP uses special education law to ensure that our clients have access to a quality education. SJP uses three strategies to achieve its mission: 1) Direct Representation, 2) Systemic Advocacy & Policy, 3) Community Outreach & Legal Training. For more info, visit www.sjpdc.org.

Position Description: In September 2023, SJP, alongside co-counsel, settled a class action lawsuit, Charles H. v. District of Columbia, No. 21-997 (D.D.C.). In this case, the Court found that students who were at the DC Jail during the pandemic did not receive special education as required by federal law. As a result of the settlement, many class members are entitled to a compensatory services award. The Law Clerk will work under the supervision of a SJP Staff Attorney to monitor implementation of this settlement. Specific responsibilities include:

• Contacting or visiting class members incarcerated in the Federal Bureau of Prisons or the DC Jail to provide updated information regarding their compensatory services award and assisting those who would like to make award selections
• Distributing informative materials to class members
• Updating internal databases with information regarding compensatory education
• Attending ongoing meetings with the litigation team and Third-Party Auditor and Defendants

Qualifications: Applicants must be 2nd year law students with a commitment to education, juvenile or criminal legal systems, and racial justice. Other qualifications include:

• Keen problem-solving skills, ability to troubleshoot, and creative and analytical thinking
• Excellent research, writing, and oral communication skills
• Self-starter and ability to work independently
• Familiarity with DC’s legal systems and/or special education law is a plus
• Clinical experience is a plus