Minority And Disadvantaged Law Students Serve As Summer Law Clerks
The program, celebrating its 10th anniversary, has expanded to place students with courts in JIOP provides an opportunity for students who are traditionally underrepresented in the legal profession. Through JIOP, these students gain first-hand knowledge of the courts, and develop the knowledge and skills necessary to have a well-rounded and real world experience in the court system. In addition to addressing the needs of students, the project seeks to increase diversity in the courts and the legal profession. “As we reach this milestone for the JIOP program, we celebrate the commitment of our members and partners to provide a valuable experience to minority and disadvantaged law students by exposing them to the workings of the courts,” said Lorna G. Schofield, New York, section chair. “This year, more than ever, law students face many challenges due to the economic crisis. Despite the dire job market and the challenges facing the profession, our members have provided unprecedented support so that the lawyers of tomorrow will have the ability to have a meaningful opportunity for growth.” “We appreciate the efforts of judges and lawyers to make time to provide mentoring opportunities to those who are in the program. This cannot be done without their continued support – making this is a very unique and special program for law students,” Schofield further said. The JIOP program was initially developed by the ABA Section of Antitrust Law in response to a survey showing underrepresentation of minorities in judicial clerkships, and for the last eight years it has been operated by the Section of Litigation. From an initial class of 14 interns in the summer of 2000, the program has grown and expanded to accept more than 675 applications from around the country for the 2010 slots. The program provides a six-week minimum, fulltime internship for first- and second-year minority and/or financially disadvantaged law students. Interns work on legal research and writing for state and federal judges. Interns receive an award of $1,500 for their participation in the program. Volunteer lawyers from the Section of Litigation and other groups of the For more information on JIOP, including a list of the students and the judges as well as background on the program, please contact Debbie Weixl in ABA Media Relations. Additional information can be obtained at the JIOP webpage. Alternately, interested parties may contact the program director, Gail Howard, at 312/988-6348 or howardg@staff.abanet.org. A list of the class of 2010 and the participating judges will be posted shortly on the JIOP webpage. Applications for the summer 2011 program will be posted in the fall. The ABA Section of Litigation represents about 68,000 lawyers, judges and others involved in all aspects of litigation and the dispute resolution process. It is the national voice for litigators and a leader in advocating improvements in the justice system. The section provides tools and resources to assist lawyers to be better litigators as they serve their clients. It offers opportunities for growth, learning and networking through its professional communities. Its activities reflect and support the commitment of its members to a strong, diverse and vibrant profession, a fair and accessible justice system, and the continuing obligation to achieve both through a wide range of pro bono activities. With nearly 400,000 members, the American Bar Association is the largest voluntary professional membership organization in the world. As the national voice of the legal profession, the -30-
