2026 Legal Aid Leaders Fellowship

Job DetailsLevel: EntryJob Location: San Diego Downtown Office - SAN DIEGO, CA 92101Salary Range: $25.00 - $25.00 HourlyDESCRIPTION San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program (SDVLP) is seeking motivated law students for a full-time paid summer fellowship. The fellowship is designed to provide meaningful, hands-on public interest experience while offering students an understanding of SDVLP’s pro bono model for delivering legal services.    Law students will be expected to complete a capstone project during their fellowship. The project is intended to deepen the fellow’s understanding of SDVLP’s pro bono-based approach to delivering legal services through volunteer attorneys, contribute meaningfully to SDVLP’s programs, and advance access to justice for clients  Participating law students will join Change Lawyers’ cohorts of fellows and be able to participate in workshops, training, and networking opportunities to support their professional and career development.  As part of this program, fellows must complete two surveys to share their expectations and experiences during the fellowship.  ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION  Since 1983, San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program, Inc. (SDVLP), the county’s oldest and most comprehensive pro bono legal services program, has changed the lives of thousands of indigent and other disadvantaged people, by providing equal access to the justice system. SDVLP’s unique service model serves as a bridge between indigent and other disadvantaged people in San Diego County and the volunteer lawyers and others who are willing to donate their time and resources.   SDVLP provides services in many areas of law. Applicants are encouraged to review our programs on our website at www.sdvlp.org to identify the area or program they are most interested in working with.  ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES This is an eight-week full-time fellowship (37.5 hours per week). Fellows will work under the supervision of SDVLP attorneys and may assist with:  Supporting volunteer attorneys in their casework   Assist with volunteer attorney recruitment and engagement efforts   Client intake and interviews  Legal research and writing  Drafting pleadings and declarations  Preparing cases for hearings  Observing court proceedings  Participating in legal clinics and community outreach  Work Environment  This is a full-time position requiring the ability to work in SDVLP’s San Diego downtown office 5 days per week for 37.5 hours per week.    Compensation  Law students selected for this fellowship will be hired as seasonal temporary employees of San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program for the duration of the eight-week fellowship.  Pay: $25/hour    Qualifications Current law student attending a law school in California  Preference for students who have completed their 2L year  Demonstrated commitment to public interest or public law  Strong written and verbal communication skills  Interest in working with diverse, underserved communities