Summer 2027 Law Clerk/Extern Criminal Legal

POSITION TITLE:    Law Clerk or Extern - Criminal Legal Program

SUPERVISOR:       Criminal Legal Senior Supervising Attorney

DATE EFFECTIVE:    We will review applications on a rolling basis. For summer positions, some offers are extended in the fall. Candidates are encouraged to apply early..

LOCATION:   Position will primarily be remote in Texas

TRAVEL:        (Moderate) 

JOB CLASSIFICATION:  Temporary (Law Clerk or Extern)

SALARY TIER LEVEL:  For Academic Credit 

BARGAINING UNION ELIGIBILITY: Non-Union 

ABOUT THE TEXAS CIVIL RIGHTS PROJECT

At TCRP, we are Texas lawyers for Texas communities. We use our unique community lawyering model to empower Texas communities and create the policy changes necessary for a fairer, more just Texas. In our 30+ year history, we have brought thousands of strategic lawsuits, defending voting rights, reforming systems of criminal (in)justice, and fighting for the rights of immigrant families and those in our borderland communities. Our efforts have helped countless low-income and otherwise marginalized Texans and have widely advanced equality and justice. Today with dozens of high-caliber attorneys and professionals around the state and an extensive network of pro bono counsel and community allies — TCRP is among the most influential civil rights organizations in Texas. 

TCRP comprises three regional offices across Texas with over 40 employees and an annual budget of over $7 million dollars. TCRP currently operates under a hybrid work policy, allowing remote work from anywhere in Texas and requiring travel and in-person attendance for specified work activities. The in-person activities are typically based out of any of the Texas Civil Rights Projects locations: Alamo (in the Rio Grande Valley), Austin, and Houston. We are proud of our work, welcome innovative thinkers, and offer flexibility to different people’s styles and strengths. Learn more at https://txcivilrights.org/. 

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OR PROGRAM

TCRP’s Criminal Legal Program partners with impacted communities, prioritizing cases and campaigns in two areas: First, we advocate for reforms that reimagine the system and push back against the criminalization of poverty, mental illness, addiction and dissent. Second, we advocate to end mass incarceration and reduce the harms of incarceration.  

POSITION SUMMARY

The Texas Civil Rights Project is seeking positive, motivated, balanced, well-organized individuals to serve as law clerks or externs in our Criminal Legal Program. TCRP is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic team and women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply. Our law clerks and externs are a critical part of the TCRP family and will assist our attorneys with every aspect of our work, from investigating potential cases, crafting strategic advocacy plans and preparing complaints to assisting with discovery, briefing dispositive motions and trying cases in federal and state court.

As a Law Clerk, you will have the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience in civil rights law and contribute to meaningful projects that have a positive impact on society. Under the supervision of experienced attorneys, you will assist with legal research, drafting legal documents, and supporting advocacy efforts on a variety of civil rights issues.

For summer law clerks, we ask that students commit to at least 400 hours of work over the course of the summer, typically 40 hours per week for ten weeks. This is a remote position with the option to work from one of our offices (Austin, Houston, and Alamo). During the summer we attempt to coordinate start dates for our class of law clerks to provide opportunities for training, camaraderie, and mentorship during the summer. During the school year, we can host externs working for course credit for typically an average of 15 hours per week depending on course requirements from the Law School. For both summer and school year positions, we assign a designated attorney mentor to have at least weekly 1:1 meetings and provide mentorship, guidance, and supervision. 

RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES

·        Conduct legal research on various civil rights issues.

·        Assist with drafting legal memoranda, briefs, and other documents.

·        Review and analyze case law, statues, and regulations.

·        Participate in meetings, hearings, and court proceedings.

·        Support attorneys with case management and trial preparation.

·        Contribute to community outreach and education initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS

·        Currently enrolled in an accredited law school program.

·        Strong academic record with a demonstrated interest in civil rights law.

·        Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills.

·        Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast paced environment.

·        Commitment to social justice and advancing civil rights for all individuals. With a passion for TCRP’s mission. 

·        Self-reliant and motivated with exceptional written and oral communication skills.  

·        Previous experience or coursework in civil rights, constitutional law, or related fields is preferred but not required.

BENEFITS

·        Hand-on experience in civil rights law and advocacy.

·        Mentorship from experienced attorneys and legal professionals.

·        Networking opportunities with great legal minds and  leaders in the civil rights community.

·        Meaningful contribution to important social justice initiatives.

·        Stipend or academic credit may be available depending on funding.

INCLUSION AND NON-DISCRIMINATION

TCRP is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work. We value and celebrate the unique perspectives and contributions of individuals from diverse backgrounds and strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment from candidates of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientation, religions, abilities, and backgrounds.  Research shows that while men apply for positions when they meet an average of 60% of the requirements, women, Black people, people of color and other underrepresented groups only apply when they check every box. If you feel like this is the position for you even though you don’t check every box please apply, you could be exactly what we’re looking for!

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please submit your cover letter, resume, writing sample of (5-10 pages,) and list of references. In your cover letter, please explain your interest in civil rights law and how your skills and experiences align with the responsibilities of the position. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until December 12th. We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.