California is experiencing a significant increase in the number of individuals appearing before the court without professional legal representation on a variety of matters, from family law to housing. The “Access to Justice” (A2J) internship is recruiting interns that will work in the Bay Area Self-Help Centers from June to August. Interns will work closely with self-represented litigants by providing assistance with court documents, legal information, and referrals as needed, as well as translation for Limited English Proficiency litigants. Interns will also assist in and lead workshops. All assistance will be performed under the close supervision of attorneys and other court staff.

A2J interns will have the opportunity to learn about several areas of law, which may include family law (divorce, spousal support, domestic violence, parentage, child custody and visitation, child support), civil law (small claims, evictions, name & gender changes, civil harassment restraining orders, and elder abuse) and probate (guardianship).

Starting in May or mid-June, Access 2 Justice requires interns to serve three full days per week for at least 10 weeks. This will be a rigorous internship and we are looking forward to working with volunteers who are committed to public service.