UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA COLLEGE OF LAW – CLINIC FELLOW – VETERANS ADVOCACY LAW CLINIC
Please apply here.
THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA JAMES E. ROGERS COLLEGE OF LAW seeks applicants for a post-graduate fellowship position in the Veterans Advocacy Law Clinic (VALC) to start on or about September 1, 2024. This is a one-year appointment with the possibility of extension for a second year depending on continuation of funding and job performance. Some travel for court and other clinic-related work will be required.
The VALC represents U.S. military veterans and service members in a local veterans treatment court, on administrative law cases before federal agencies and in federal court, and engages in special projects including community outreach. The Post-Graduate Clinic Fellow position is a unique opportunity for a recent law school graduate to gain experience in veterans law advocacy and exposure to clinical legal education. The Fellow will work closely with VALC faculty by assisting in the representation of clients and leading the creation of a new Clinic project, which is to increase access to justice for rural veterans, including Native American veterans. The Fellow will be supervised and mentored by the Director of the Clinic, as well as other Clinic faculty, and work collaboratively with students and clinical staff.
The VALC provides pro bono legal services to U.S. veterans and service members by representing them in veterans treatment courts, on VA disability benefits compensation cases, and on discharge upgrade and correction of military records cases. The Clinic also helps veterans and their family members through its robust Intake and Referral Program and by engaging in community outreach and special projects, which have included, for example, amicus briefs to the 9th Circuit and U.S. Supreme Court and establishing an on-site legal clinic at the VA. Many of the veterans and service members it assists have physical and mental health challenges and/or substance use issues, some of which were caused directly or indirectly by their military service. Thus, much of the Clinic’s work relates to addressing the intersection of these issues and legal needs.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- The Fellow will lead the creation of a new project in the VALC, which is to increase access to justice for veterans in rural areas and veterans who are distinctly underserved, specifically including Native American veterans—whether rural or not. This may require building community relationships, networking, collaborating, and other outreach skills. The Project may also include training Tribal VSOs (veterans service organizations) and other advocates on how to help veterans access their benefits.
- The Fellow will represent veterans in veterans treatment court, assist in the representation of veterans on administrative law cases that are before the VA and/or DOD agencies and/or federal district or appellate courts, and assist with VALC legal clinics held at the VA or other locations.
- The Fellow will participate in the Clinic’s weekly class seminar, class Rounds, and select case meetings.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES
- Ability to assume responsibility quickly, work independently and as part of a team, and seek guidance when appropriate
- Strong organizational and time management skills, including the ability to manage multiple tasks
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Excellent legal research and writing, and advocacy skills
- Good people skills and ability to maintain positive relations with a diverse population, community organizations and government agencies
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- J.D. from an ABA accredited law school
- Applicant must be a current member in good standing of the Arizona Bar, sitting for the July 2024 Arizona Bar Exam, or, for other jurisdictions, meets the requirements of Arizona Supreme Court Rule 39(c)(5) (recent law graduates) or 39(d) (military spouses). Continuation of employment dependent on bar passage.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in a law school clinic
- Experience working with veterans and/or Native Americans and Alaska Natives or experience with or knowledge of issues related to these populations
- Exposure to or knowledge of mental health and/or substance use issues
- Familiarity with military service or government benefits