Help Others Help Themselves Find Justice.

Learn About the Law and Life in Return

California is experiencing an explosion in the number of individuals appearing in court without attorney representation on a variety of matters from family law to housing issues. The majority of these individuals are not obtaining professional help because they cannot afford it.

Self-represented litigants face many obstacles in their attempts to resolve important legal matters, including a lack of familiarity with legal terms and mandatory forms, and an inability to follow or fully comprehend court proceedings or orders given in court. Inability to resolve legal matters jeopardizes litigants ability to secure safe, affordable housing, to overcome barriers to employment, to obtain guardianships, or to avoid domestic violence and elder abuse. It also has far reaching societal impacts including: family instability and resultant increases in numbers of children involved in the juvenile dependency and delinquency system; a general lack of public trust and confidence in the court system; increased challenges for law enforcement officers; and increased rates of homelessness.

As a JusticeCorps member you will be trained to provide legal information to self-represented litigants to assist them with resolving important legal matters such as those described above. Service will consist of interaction with litigants and assisting attorneys to provide workshops and consultations.

Program Benefits

As a JusticeCorps member you will:

• Provide a much needed service to your community
• Develop numerous transferable skills that will better prepare you for law school, graduate school, a career in public service, public administration, or non-profit work
• Earn a $1000 educational award
• Gain professional experience
• Develop networking opportunities
• Earn strong letters of recommendation if you successfully complete the program

Program Requirements

• JusticeCorps members must be able to complete 300 hours of service within the program year (mid September-mid August)
• Members must commit to serve a minimum of 6-8 hours per week at one of the service sites
• Members must be able to attend weekend trainings
• Preference is given to sophomores, juniors, and non-graduating seniors, though any student enrolled in one of the participating universities may apply. This includes graduating seniors and graduate students.
• Minimum GPA 2.5
• Applicants must pass a live scan fingerprinting security check

How Do I Sign Up?

Students interested in participating in JusticeCorps must pickup up an application packet at the USC Office of College Advising (CAS 120). Application packets will be available starting Monday, August 31st. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.  A complete application includes:

• Photocopy of your citizenship/residency status documentation (a social security card or driver’s license are not adequate documentation)
• Completed and signed JusticeCorps 2009-2010 application which can be obtained at from CAS 120
• Completed and signed security form (If you have any questions regarding what information to include on this form, consult with Justice Corps staff before submitting your application)
• Placement preference
• Proposed service schedule
• Shirt size
• Statement of Intent* (for USC applicants only)
  
• Resume