Volunteer

New Attorneys or Law Graduates

Currently, Public Counsel’s Consumer Rights and Economic Justice Project needs volunteers who want to gain litigation experience.

Are you looking for an introduction to litigation while helping BIPOC and low-income clients? We could use your help!

Public Counsel’s Consumer Rights & Economic Justice Project’s mission is to advance racial and economic justice by representing and advocating for individuals who are low-income and their families to improve their financial futures, safeguard intergenerational wealth, address systemic inequalities, and oppose the institutions and companies that take advantage of the communities we serve. We handle matters both large and small, including class action cases involving victims of fraud who have experienced significant financial injury at the hands of unscrupulous individuals or businesses. We co-counsel many cases with outside firms, including some of the most prominent firms in the State, in addition to litigating debt defense cases. We are constantly developing new cases, both individual and impact matters, based in large part on our intake line, which handles hundreds of calls every year.

We rely on volunteer attorneys to help us with various aspects of our cases. Our volunteer attorneys include those who are waiting for bar results, between jobs, new to Los Angeles, or looking to widen their horizons and get into public interest law. Our volunteers interview clients and witnesses, analyze potential cases, research pertinent aspects of law, draft memoranda, and engage in various other associated litigation tasks. We include them in our weekly case review meetings and encourage them to observe at court when a matter comes on for hearing or to come to a deposition or mediation, if possible. Working with our team of experienced attorneys, you will gain a wide range of practical experience and make contacts to help you as you progress in your career.

Minimum Qualifications:  California licensed attorney at any level of experience or individual awaiting California bar results; excellent research and writing skills; Proficiency in Spanish or another language is a plus.

Expected Time Commitment: A minimum of three days per week (preferably more), for a minimum of three months; In-office attendance on Thursdays encouraged; remote work during normal business hours on other days.

Date Needed: Ongoing

Location: 610 S. Ardmore Ave. and remote.

How to Apply: Please send your resume, a 5-8 page writing sample and a cover letter to Ghirlandi Guidetti – Email HERE – with “volunteer attorney” in the subject line.

“So many people are in dire need of legal services but have neither the financial means to retain counsel nor the experience to navigate bureaucratic institutions. I can’t think of a more rewarding way to utilize my legal skills.”

— Marie McTeague, Retired Attorney

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