United Farm Workers (UFW) has 1 (one) law clerk positions available for Summer 2013. UFW law clerks participate in case development and legal research, writing, and analysis in the areas of labor law, civil rights, contracts, and unfair business competition and wage/hour violations. Law clerks may also assist UFW with intellectual property and trademark protection issues and training organizing staff on basic labor law.

The UFW organizes to end poverty and empower farm workers to advance economic and social conditions within rural and Latino communities. Our specialty is labor law and our focus is providing effective legal services that promote the growth of the UFW’s organizing and collective bargaining abilities. Significant pro-worker changes in the California Agricultural Labor Relations Act became law in January 2012 and the challenges implementing these changes will contribute to making the internship experiences unique and invaluable.

The law interns for the summer of 2013 may spend part of their time working out of the UFW’s Legal Department headquarters in Keene, California and part of the time working out of UFW Regional offices in Delano, Salinas, Santa Rosa, and Oxnard. 

Ability to communicate in Spanish is required. There is a great deal of flexibility and responsibility with this internship. Only candidates who are highly motivated and capable of working independently in unstructured team environments are encouraged to apply. Law students who apply for this position also need to have a vehicle for transportation, a laptop, and be willing to spend the time necessary to acquire grants or fellowships to cover their personal living expenses for the summer.

For more information about the UFW please see www.ufw.org. For more information about the 2013 law internship program please contact UFW attorney Mary Mecartney at Marym1970@ufw.org. 

Location: Keene, California

Compensation: Although we are unable to offer paid positions, we will work with selected candidates to secure funding through your law school and other possible public-interest funding sources. Academic credit may also be available through your law school. 

Deadline: April 15, 2013

Application: Please email (1) cover letter, (2) resume, and (3) writing sample (no more than 10 pages) to Marym1970@ufw.org with “Law Clerk Application” in the subject line.