Overview

South Coastal Counties Legal Services, Inc.

Massachusetts Legal Assistance For Self-Sufficiency Program
AmeriCorps Program Overview - 2010/2011

Service Description

The Legal Assistance for Self-Sufficiency Program will place 28 AmeriCorps members with an interest in public service law in participating legal services organizations throughout Massachusetts. Members will serve under professional supervision in providing legal assistance to low-income people in civil (non-criminal) matters. Members will be exposed to a wide range of legal assistance activities beginning with initial client contact and eligibility determinations, to case development, negotiation, hearing and appeal. The following civil law areas are commonly practiced in participating legal services organizations:

• Housing
• Domestic Relations/Domestic Violence
• Education
• Income Maintenance and Health Benefits
• Legal Problems of Elders
• Immigration
• Community Group Representation

AmeriCorps members will also conduct legal education and outreach activities, as well as developing volunteer resources for their legal service organization. Members will have defined responsibilities for completing training, conducting case activities, and fostering volunteerism.

This is an eleven month program scheduled to begin in early September, 2010. Members serve a minimum of 1700 hours over a forty-six week period ending in late July, 2011.

Eligibility Requirements

• At least 17 years of age
• U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, or lawful permanent resident alien of the U.S.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's Degree
• A commitment to obtaining justice for poor people
• The desire to work with a diversity of low-income people
• Developed oral and written communication skills
• Interest in obtaining a law degree
• Proficiency in a non-English language used by clients is desirable

Benefits

Members making a firm one year service commitment, and who complete 1700 hours of community service, will receive:

• A $17,000 taxable living allowance, paid bi-weekly
• Health benefits
• An educational award in the amount of $5,350
• Day care assistance, if eligible
• Hands-on, supervised exposure to the practice of law

Sponsorship

The Legal Assistance for Self-Sufficiency Program is a project of South Coastal Counties Legal Services, Inc., a private non-profit law firm providing legal assistance in civil matters at no charge to eligible low-income clients. The Program is funded through the Corporation for National and Community Service, and administered through the Massachusetts Service Alliance.

Contact Information

To accelerate consideration of your application, e-mail or fax your application, resume, and a cover letter as soon as possible to the address below. We must receive your signed application by mail. Please call if you have questions about the application process, or if you require assistance.