David Stern is executive director for D.C.-based Equal Justice Works, the nation’s leading provider of post-graduate legal fellowship programs.
What is the main purpose of Equal Justice Works?
Equal Justice Works’ mission is to create a just society by mobilizing the next generation of lawyers committed to equal justice. The poorest and most vulnerable among us deserve the same access to justice and quality legal representation as more fortunate citizens. Our programs provide the training and opportunities that enable law students and attorneys to provide effective representation to vulnerable communities across the country.
What services does Equal Justice Works provide?
Equal Justice Works is the leading provider of post-graduate legal fellowship programs in the country. Through our programs we place talented new lawyers in underserved communities to provide legal services in issue areas ranging from helping struggling families who face foreclosure stay in their homes, to working with veterans to help them access benefits, and providing assistance to victims of domestic abuse. We work with law schools to expand the public interest offerings available to law students, and offer our Summer Corps program that allows law students to work with needy clients and gain an understanding of public interest law. We also are the national expert on student debt relief programs that make it financially viable for those who want to pursue public interest careers.
How did you get involved with Equal Justice Works?
I was a civil rights attorney, and I saw that there were many more people with legitimate claims than we could represent. We needed more lawyers to represent people who could otherwise not afford to hire one! When I heard about Equal Justice Works, I was inspired by the vision of mobilizing an army of lawyers to do public interest work on behalf of under-served communities and causes.
What new challenges do law students face today after graduation? What advice do you have for them?
Law students are like any other student graduating today – they are searching for employment in a tough economy with a large amount of educational debt. By taking advantage of opportunities, like our fellowship programs, young talented attorneys can jump start their careers, gain meaningful hands-on experience and directly impact thousands of lives. Also, check out our website about programs that can help recent graduates alleviate their student debt.
