WIDENER UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
VETERANS LEGAL CORPS FELLOWSHIP
The Veterans Law Clinic at Widener University School of Law provides free legal services to eligible veterans and their dependents. We invite applications for two fellowship positions funded in part by CNCS AmeriCorps and Equal Justice Works.
POSITION SUMMARY: Veterans Legal Corps Fellow
Equal Justice Works and AmeriCorps have partnered together to provide the new Veterans Legal Corps Fellowship opportunity to aid the legal needs of veterans and military families across the nation. The Veteran Legal Corps (VLC) Fellow will provide civil legal assistance to veterans and military families.
Two Fellowship positions are available at the Wilmington campus. Based on Equal Justice Works AmeriCorps guidelines, the term of service will begin in August or September of 2013 for one year (with a possible renewal). Position requires completion of NSOPR, state(s), and FBI Fingerprint criminal background checks as well as compliance with all CNCS Federal Regulations throughout the fellowship program.
Responsibilities and Duties
The AmeriCorps VLC Fellow will:
1) Provide direct representation to veterans with appeals regarding the denial of compensation claims, especially claims involving post-traumatic stress disorder, military sexual trauma and other mental health issues. (30%)
2) Provide direct representation to veterans who are homeless or are at risk of becoming homeless on issues including overpayments from the VA, problems with health and disability benefits, consumer and medical debt, drivers’ license reinstatement, expungement issues and discharge upgrades (for veterans with a general discharge). (30%)
3) Work with community partner agencies, including case management staff at the VA hospitals, VA clinics, and Veterans’ Centers in the area to facilitate referrals. (10%)
4) Develop materials to publicize the project to a variety of audiences. (10%)
5) Deliver presentations at Veterans’ Centers on legal topics including those listed above and create educational materials to be shared with host staff statewide. (15%)
6) Other administrative tasks related to AmeriCorps and Equal Justice Works program compliance. (5%)
Qualifications
The Fellow will be required to have excellent oral and written communication skills, as well as interpersonal, organizational and negotiation skills and the ability to work as a team member. Knowledge of veterans’ benefits law and/or experience with veterans and military families preferred. Military service or related-military background, including status as a military dependent a plus. Diverse economic, social and cultural experiences and a second language are preferred. The Fellow must be admitted to practice law in Pennsylvania or Delaware (or be awaiting results from July exam) and have graduated from an Equal Justice Works member law school.
COMPENSATION is $36,200 which includes a living allowance funded by AmeriCorps and Widener University School of Law
Other benefits:
- $5,550 AmeriCorps Legal Education Award upon successful completion of service
- AmeriCorps provided childcare assistance
- Professional development and training assistance
- Student loan forbearance and interest accrual payment for eligible loans upon successful completion of service
- Participation in Equal Justice Works training opportunities and conferences, as applicable
- Fringe benefits, including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, Rx)
TO APPLY: https://widener.igreentree.com/CSS_External/CSSPage_SearchResults.ASP?T=20130820105814& and click on link for Equal Justice Works Americorps Legal Fellowship (A13-0027)