2027 ALC Summer Law Clerk

Type:  Temporary, Non-exempt, Full-time.This will be an approximately two month program with a potential start date of June 7, 2027.

Location: San Francisco, CA. This is a hybrid role that is required to work in the office and/or at an onsite event 2 days a week.

Deadline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until filled.

Compensation and Benefits: ALC is committed to seeking funding for the summer 2027 program up to $10,000 per law clerk for the summer . Applicants are also encouraged to seek independent funding. This position is not eligible for health, retirement, or other benefits.

The Opportunity

Asian Law Caucus is committed to the pursuit of justice across society, with a specific focus on serving low-income, immigrant, and underserved individuals of Asian descent, including Arab, Middle Eastern, Pacific Islander and South Asian communities. We bring together legal services, community empowerment, and policy advocacy to fight for immigrant justice, economic security, and a stronger, multiracial democracy. Founded in 1972, our work is rooted in the San Francisco Bay Area and California and expands to states across the country.

ALC seeks summer law clerks to join our dynamic team. Under the supervision of our attorneys, summer law clerks may interview clients, perform legal research and analysis, conduct fact-gathering and investigation in support of litigation and advocacy initiatives, draft court filings and memoranda, prepare community training and briefing materials, and attend clinics, hearings and policy meetings.

Law clerks will navigate a range of interconnected social justice issues, and responsibilities will vary based on team and need. Applicants are invited to learn more about our issues on our website.

• The Democracy and National Initiatives Program (DNI) pursues the promise of democracy for all. Rooted in ALC’s movement lawyering leadership, DNI projects include election protection and voting rights advocacy and impact litigation; narrative, advocacy, and legal support for community partner organizations and coalition-building.

• The Housing Rights Program defends the rights of low-income tenants in the Bay Area and Northern California and provides culturally and linguistically competent assistance with a focus on immigrant communities, seniors, and those living with disabilities. We engage in eviction defense and affirmative litigation, community education and outreach, and advocate for local and state policies that preserve housing, create affordable housing options, and decrease inequities in housing and land use.

• The Immigrant Justice Program works at the intersection of the U.S. criminal legal and immigration systems to keep families and communities together. We represent and advocate for low-income immigrants facing deportation due to criminal convictions and partner with community members, families, and immigrant rights groups to delay and stop deportations and dismantle systems of mass incarceration.

• The Workers’ Rights Program aims to strengthen worker power and defend labor protections. We engage in strategic litigation,direct legal services, and policy advocacy on issues including immigration-related threats, wage and hour violations, retaliation, and race/national origin discrimination. Our program also works closely with worker centers and community partners to support worker organizing.

The Organization

Asian Law Caucus is the nation’s first legal organization focusing on advancing and defending the civil rights of Asian and Pacific Islander (API) communities. Since 1972, ALC has fought for access to affordable housing in San Francisco’s Chinatown, litigated high-profile civil rights cases, advocated for the passage of landmark policy changes, and provided an array of services, including community education, advocacy, and direct client representation to further the rights of low-income immigrants and communities of color, across our immigrant rights, workers' rights, housing rights, national security and community safety, and National Democracy Initiative programs, and other emerging areas of law.

Desired Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a J.D. program at an accredited law school
• Demonstrated commitment to low-income, immigrant, and/or API/AMEMSA communities
• Excellent skills in legal research, analysis, and written and oral communication
• Law school clinical experience or any other legal work is a plus, but not required
• Language proficiency in an Asian or Middle Eastern language is a plus, but not required

Application Process

Positions are open until filled and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

(1) A cover letter

(2) Resume

(3) Writing sample (no more than 10 pages)

(4) Three professional references (including at least one direct supervisor reference)

If there are specific issues or if there is a specific team you would like to work with, please indicate your interest in your cover letter. Please also highlight experience with ALC issue areas, relevant coursework, and/or familiarity with data analysis.

Asian Law Caucus is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply, regardless of race, color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including HIV, cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital or domestic partner status, reproductive health decision-making, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions) gender (including gender identity and gender expression), age (40 years and over), sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status, protected medical leaves (requesting or approved for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act or the California Family Rights Act), domestic violence victim and survivor status, political affiliation, height, weight, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws.