• Provide legal information to litigants regarding family law, housing, small claims issues, and/or guardianship matters;
• Mentor and coordinate a cohort of 300-hour "student JusticeCorps members".
• Assist in assigning litigants to one-on-one help, telephone assistance, scheduled workshops, and refer litigants to a paralegal, lawyer or outside resources/services (when appropriate);
• Assist litigants in completion of family law, housing law, small claims and other pending legal forms (in hard copy or on computer terminals);
• Assist litigants in telephone inquires and written correspondence, such as requests of information/assistance from incarcerated individuals;
• Assist in observation of litigants in court hearings (including note taking and drafting of written orders under attorney supervision) following-up after judicial orders have been issued;
• Assist in workshops facilitated by attorneys, paralegals, and other site staff;
• Creating informational brochures for JusticeCorps service sites (e.g., bilingual brochures/flyers); and,
• Assist in enhancing the volunteer recruitment and training for the JusticeCorps service sites.
Service Activities
Members work one on one with self-represented litigants assisting them with court forms explaining court procedures and making referrals.
Community Need Addressed
California is experiencing an explosion in the number of individuals appearing before the court without professional representation. California courts report up to 90% self-representation in family law and housing-related cases. In all, over 4.3 million California court users are self-represented. The majority of these individuals do not obtain representation because they can not afford it. Inability to resolve legal matters jeopardizes litigant's abilities to secure safe, affordable housing, to overcome barriers to employment, to obtain guardianships, and to avoid domestic violence and elder abuse.
Position Outcomes
JusticeCorps addresses the challenges self-represented litigants have in accessing the justice system by providing legal information and assistance with court forms and procedure. Through their service JusticeCorps fellows empower litigants to act as their own attorneys and get their day in court.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Student loan forbearance, Training
Skills you will gain
Working with diverse groups, working in a fast paced high emotion environment, legal issue spotting
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Turn taking, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise, Provide relevant expertise, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them
Tools
Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines, Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Facilitate group planning, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Evaluate customer or client satisfaction, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment