Los Angeles JusticeCorps Members

 

There are two types of JusticeCorps members serving in Los Angeles, minimum time (300 hours of service) and full time (1,700 hours of service). Minimum time members normally serve one 8 hour shift a week or two 4 hour shifts at a self-help center while full time members serve for 8 hours a day five days a week.

While the majority of minimum time members serve from September to May, Los Angeles recruits a handful of minimum time members for a small summer program. Summer minimum time members have the same responsibilities as minimum time members that serve during the school year but since they have less time to meet their 300 hour commitment they generally serve up to 5 days a week in the self-help centers.

Minimum-time members are responsible for:  

• Assisting self-represented litigants in court-based self-help centers by providing legal information to litigants regarding family law, housing, civil harassment temporary restraining orders and name changes
• Assisting litigants in completion of family law, housing law, civil harassment temporary restraining orders, name changes and other pending legal forms
• Participating in at least one of the two Service Days
• Attending trainings

 

Full-time members are responsible for:  

• Assisting self-represented litigants in court-based self-help centers by providing legal information to litigants regarding family law, housing, civil harassment temporary restraining orders and name changes
• Working closely with site supervisors and university representatives to support 300-hour members
• Conducting workshops for litigants
• Providing information and resources on best practices to 300-hour members
• Serving as a role model and to providing on-the-spot assistance to 300-hour members
• Recruiting volunteers for service opportunities in other court based programs
• Facilitating trainings for 300-hour members
• Coordinating member service schedules and schedule requests
• Conducting outreach to justice system and community partners
• Developing brochures and other publications
• Other duties as assigned

In addition to serving in the self-help centers members are expected to participate in at least one of two service days, Martin Luther King Day or Cesar Chavez Day. Although it is not required, members are encouraged to participate in both service days. Service days are an opportunity for members to work with the community they serve on special projects that benefit areas in need. Projects in the past have included beautification of shared city spaces, marches, and rehabilitation of schools or parks through painting murals and planting gardens. Time spent participating in service days is counted towards member service hours.

Upon completion of the program minimum time members are eligible for an education award ranging from $1,300-$1,700 while full time members receive an award ranging from $5,500-$6,000. In addition, full time members receive a $20,000 living allowance dispensed incrementally throughout the service year. (Minimum time members do not receive a living allowance.)

Additional benefits to becoming a minimum time or full time JusticeCorps member include:  

• An opportunity to learn about the legal profession and work with lawyers, judges, court administrators, and clerks
• An opportunity to serve your community
• A chance to hone and develop professional skills
• A unique addition to your resume
• Opportunity for letters of recommendation for future jobs and educational opportunities
• Being a part of the National Service Movement supported by the Obama administration