The Rutgers University School of Law-Newark, through its Special
Education Clinic, is looking to hire an attorney with 1-3 years of
post-graduate experience to serve as a Clinical Law Fellow in a newly
created medical-legal partnership with the Department of Pediatrics at
the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. The
medical-legal partnership, known as the H.E.A.L. (Health, Education,
Advocacy & Law) Collaborative, has a threefold mission: (1) To improve
children’s health and well-being by providing free legal services to
indigent families of children with disabilities to meet their
educational, developmental and health needs; (2) to educate front-line
health and medical professionals on identification of social issues with
legal remedies that adversely affect child health and family well-being
and methods for resolving these issues without resort to legal
involvement; and (3) to enhance the educational experiences,
professional development, knowledge and skills of those studying and/or
working in the fields of law, medicine and social work through
collaboration in a multi-disciplinary setting.

The Clinical Law Fellow will work collaboratively with the Legal and
Medical Directors and medical/health/social work professionals and
students, and will be directly supervised by the program’s Legal
Director. Responsibilities include:

●    Interview patients who present with legal problems and triage
the issues presented;
●    Provide advice, referrals, consultation and direct legal
representation to patients/clients in the areas of special education
and, to a lesser extent, public benefits;
●    Consult and collaborate with medical and hospital staff on all
aspects of program development and, as appropriate, on specific cases;
●    Organize and participate in cross-training sessions; and
●    Assist in all aspects of program implementation, development and
evaluation.

The Clinical Law Fellow will be based primarily at UMDNJ, although
workspace in the Rutgers Law School Clinic will be provided as well. The
ideal candidate will have a J.D. degree and be licensed to practice law;
1-3 years legal experience; excellent written and oral advocacy skills;
a background in or some knowledge of special education law and process;
and an interest in and demonstrated commitment to working with
low-income children and families.  In addition, the ideal candidate will
be a self-starter as well as a team player. Prior interdisciplinary work
experience and proficiency in Spanish are a plus.

Salary will be commensurate with other post-graduate public interest
fellowships and will include benefits.  Any interested candidates should
send a resume and cover letter to Jennifer Rosen Valverde, Clinical
Professor of Law at jvalverde@kinoy.rutgers.edu as soon as possible and
by no later than October 31, 2012.

Rutgers University is committed to enhancing the diversity of its
faculty and staff.  Applications from women, minorities, and people with
disabilities are particularly encouraged.  Rutgers is an EEO/AA
employer.