Vermont Legal Aid is a non-profit 501(c) 3 law firm established in 1968 that provides civil legal services to low-income and elderly Vermonters. VLA has six offices ranging in size from 4 to 26 staff. The offices are located in Burlington, Montpelier, Rutland, Springfield, St. Johnsbury and Waterbury. Staff at VLA are divided into six projects organized around the needs of our clients:
- Poverty Law Project
- Disability Law Project
- Mental Health Law Project
- Elder Law Project
- Health Care Ombudsman
- Long Term Care Ombudsman
Job applicants must demonstrate a commitment to justice for low-income individuals, strong legal skills, and the ability to work effectively with diverse clients. Vermont Legal Aid offers excellent benefits and four weeks paid vacation.
Current Positions
Summer 2012 Internships Apply Now »
Closes: February 6, 2012Summer Internship/ Fellowship Opportunities 2012
Deadline for all: February 6, 2012 or until filled
Submit materials to: Vermont Legal Aid
c/o Sandy Burns
P.O. Box 1367
Burlington, VT 05402
Provide: Cover letter, resume, contact info for three references and a writing sample.
2L preferred but 1L may apply
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Joan Bauer Domestic Violence Fund Summer Fellowship - The fellow will work on a special project identified by VLA in conjunction with the Network Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. The fellowship will provide an opportunity to gain a wide range of experience. This may include direct representation of domestic violence victims under student practice rules, analysis of data, drafting legislation or rules changes, and participation in meetings with public and/or non-profit organizations. Prior experience with victims of domestic violence preferred. The stipend for this position is $4000 for 10 weeks. The position will be located in Montpelier or St. Johnsbury, Vermont.
Tax Intern - The intern will work within VLA=s low income taxpayer clinic providing assistance to Attorney Christine Speidel and assisting clients who have tax controversies with the IRS. The intern will be provided with an opportunity to interview clients, gather and organize documents, engage in student practice before the IRS and work on other tax-related projects. There is no stipend for this position but VLA will provide a work study match for eligible students. Knowledge of tax law helpful but not necessary. The position will be located in our Springfield office.
Elder Law Internship - The Senior Citizens Law Project and Medicare Advocacy Project seek a 1L or 2L student to assist in the representation of seniors in a wide range of cases, both direct service and impact litigation, including housing issues, consumer law, and health care issues, particularly Medicaid and Medicare. The student will assist project attorneys in their case work, including legal research and writing, reviewing and analyzing documents and medical records, and interviewing clients. The student may have an opportunity to represent clients directly in administrative proceedings. This internship may be located in either the Burlington or Springfield offices of Vermont Legal Aid, starting in May or June. The internship is unfunded by VLA may be able to match work study or other fellowship funding.
Mental Health Law Project - The Mental Health Law Project of Vermont Legal Aid seeks a student to work in a legal services office specializing in representation of litigants in commitment and involuntary medication cases. The student may get experience with legal research and writing, review and analysis of medical records and other technical evidence, and interviewing clients and other potential witnesses. Work will include collaboration with the staff attorneys in developing strategies in commitment cases and opportunity to observe numerous bench trials. The internship is unfunded but VLA may be able to match work study or other fellowship funding.
Health Care Ombudsman Intern - The intern will work in the extremely busy Office of Health Care Ombudsman. He or she will have significant client contact and be required to conduct phone interviews, enter data, research health care law and write up cases. Because the health insurance landscape is in the process of tremendous change, there is also the possibility of a significant research or writing project. Excellent communication, research and writing skills required, as well as an ability to work as a team member. Knowledge of public benefits or health care law helpful. The position is located in Burlington and a $4,000 stipend is available for ten weeks.
Poverty Law Project - Internships are available in the Burlington and Rutland offices of Vermont Legal Aid for students interested in working on a wide variety of cases, and projects in housing, public benefits, unemployment, domestic relations, consumer and foreclosure. The student will assist project attorneys in their case work, including legal research and writing, reviewing and analyzing documents, and interviewing clients and witnesses. The student may have an opportunity to represent clients directly in administrative proceedings or court hearings if eligible for student practice. The positions are unfunded but VLA may be able to match work study
HCO Health Law Paralegal/Advocate Apply Now »
Closes: February 1, 2012Vermont Legal Aid seeks a full-time advocate in its Health Care Ombudsman Project located in Burlington. Responsibilities include: investigating and resolving complaints and questions from Vermonters regarding health insurance and health care, advising consumers about their rights and responsibilities, assisting beneficiaries with appeals, and maintaining case records. Must be able to work as a team member doing extensive telephone work in a busy environment. The position requires excellent communication and research skills and the ability to learn quickly. Prior health care or advocacy experience is desirable. Bachelor=s degree or equivalent experience required. Starting salary $30,600, four weeks paid vacation and excellent fringe benefits. Send cover letter, resume, contact information for three references and writing sample no later than February 1, 2012 to:
Eric Avildsen, Executive Director
c/o Sandy Burns
Vermont Legal Aid
P.O. Box 1367
Burlington, VT 05402
Equal Opportunity Employer - women, minorities, and people with disabilities encouraged to apply.