Law Clerk Opportunities - Albany
2 days ago
Albany
Job Description LEGAL AID SOCIETY OF NORTHEASTERN NEW YORK Law Clerk Opportunities Summer 2026 The Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York (LASNNY) provides effective, free civil legal services and education to and advocacy for people with low income or other barriers to accessing the legal system. We secure basic needs, protect and preserve legal rights, provide equal access to justice, and seek fairness and dignity for all our clients. We have offices in Albany, Amsterdam, Canton, Gloversville, Plattsburgh, and Saratoga Springs to serve low and moderate-income residents of Albany, Clinton, Columbia, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Hamilton, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, St. Lawrence, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren, and Washington Counties and the St. Regis Reservation. HIRING CRITERIA: Commitment to providing legal services to the poor. Excellent research and writing skills. Ability to work well under stress and time pressure. Prior relevant experience in legal services to the poor, especially law school clinical experience, and the ability to speak Spanish is a plus. Law clerks will be paid $25 per hour. All work performed with Legal Aid will count towards the 50-hour pro bono requirement for admission to the New York State Bar. Law clerks must be willing to commit to a minimum of 10 hours per week. Our clerkships are available remotely or in person. We also offer hybrid work options. APPLICATION DEADLINE: Summer clerkships - Accepting applications until WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2026 Applications submitted after the posting expires will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled. DOCUMENTS REQUIRED: Cover Letter (cover letter should state what program(s) and LASNNY office(s) are of interest to applicant), Resume, and Writing Sample are required. LASNNY is committed to the creation of an inclusive and diverse workplace and providing Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action to all applicants. We strongly encourage applications from women, BIPOC, LGBTQ individuals, protected veterans, applicants and recipients of public assistance, the elderly, and people with disabilities. PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS: Below are descriptions of the various programs offered at LASNNY. Please specify which program(s) you are interested in working with and which office(s) you are interested in working with in your cover letter. Law clerks generally gain experience interacting with clients; researching and writing both court documents and client correspondence; attending court appearances, administrative hearings, or other meetings; and exposure to a law firm environment. Disability Advocacy Program - All Offices • LASNNY's LSV-H grant provides free civil legal services to veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, addressing legal issues that contribute to housing instability including eviction defense, benefits appeals, family law matters, consumer debt, and discharge upgrades. The law clerk assists program attorneys in serving eligible veterans by conducting client intake, performing legal research, drafting documents and correspondence, maintaining case files and grant records, coordinating with VA staff and community partners, and participating in outreach at VA facilities and community events. This position provides hands-on experience in veterans' law and poverty law while supporting LASNNY's mission to help veterans achieve housing stability through civil legal assistance.