Equal Justice Works Veterans Legal Corps (VLC) Fellow Position
Program Background & Description:
Equal Justice Works (EJW), AmeriCorps and Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida (CLSMF) have partnered to provide the Veterans Legal Corps (VLC) Fellowship opportunity to assist veterans and military families with their legal needs. The VLC Fellow will provide civil legal assistance to low-income veterans and military families in central Florida. The VLC is funded in Florida by AmeriCorps, EJW, and CLSMF. CLSMF is a non-profit law firm that provides free legal services to eligible clients in 12 central Florida counties. CLSMF is funded by a variety of sources including the Legal Services Corporation, the Florida Bar Foundation, United Way, and private donations.
VLC Fellow Job Description:
- Provide direct representation to low-income and homeless veterans and military families with legal issues including VA benefits, landlord-tenant matters, evictions, foreclosures, health and disability benefits, public benefits, child support, domestic violence and other family law matters, consumer and medical debt, wills & advanced directives, drivers’ license reinstatement, and sealing & expunging criminal records.
- Do outreach to and collaborate with veterans’ organizations including VA facilities, Vet Centers for combat veterans, homeless shelters, veterans courts, and Stand Downs for homeless veterans.
- Teach classes to groups of veterans at homeless shelters, Vet Centers, jails, etc. to facilitate referrals of veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
- Establish a medical-legal partnership (MLP) on site at a VA medical facility in CLSMF’s 12 county service area. Conduct intakes at the MLP at least once a month.
- Other administrative tasks related to CLSMF, AmeriCorps and EJW program compliance.
Qualifications:
EJW and AmeriCorps require the completion of state and federal fingerprint and criminal background checks as well as compliance with all CNCS Federal Regulations throughout the fellowship program.
The Fellow must be admitted to practice law in Florida and have graduated from an EJW member law school. The Fellow will need excellent oral and written communication skills as well as the ability to work effectively as a team member. Must be able to creatively and zealously advocate for clients while managing a full caseload. Previous experience working with low-income and homeless clients, veterans, and/or military families is a plus.
AmeriCorps Fellowship Living Allowance:
- Living Allowance of $24,200
- Supplemental benefits for housing, student loans, professional dues, relocation expenses and other allowable expenses (a minimum of $12,000, with a maximum determined by a Fellow’s reimbursable costs)
Other Benefits and Professional Opportunities:
- Eligibility to place all qualified student loans into forbearance and receive an interest accrual payment at the end of service;
- $5,550 education award on successful completion of service;
- Opportunity to attend a national training program to develop leadership skills, learn effective practices to accomplish your projects, and meet colleagues from across the country;
- Child care assistance (if income-eligible)
In addition to the standard fellowship benefits, CLSMF will also provide:
- Medical, dental, disability, and life insurance
- Supreme Court, Veterans Court, and state/local bar dues
- Mileage reimbursement and per diem when applicable;
- Retirement plan contribution per program policy;
- Training and continuing legal education in relevant poverty law areas, as needed
Contact Information:
Email or fax: 386-323-5762.