SUMMER LAW CLERKSHIPS
(SELF-FUNDED)

     Appalachian Research and Defense Fund of Kentucky, Inc. (AppalReD Legal Aid) is seeking law clerks for the Summer of 2008 in its ten area offices to assist attorneys in all phases of client representation and program work. Students must provide their own funding, although work study and similar arrangements with a sponsoring institution will be considered. Some funds are available to assist with travel. Applications will also be accepted for those without funding upon submission of a hardship request with an explanation of their financial need.

     Our well-established legal services program is in its 37th year of serving low income clients and client groups in a 37-county area, which includes the mountains of eastern Kentucky and the south central farming counties of the Kentucky Appalachian area. Offices are in Barbourville, Booneville, Columbia, Harlan, Hazard, Jackson, Pikeville, Prestonsburg, Richmond, and Somerset. Our program has been involved in significant representation of clients and client groups such as:

• Establishment of shelters for victims of spouse abuse
• Actions to rectify employment discrimination based on race or gender
• Representation of students with special educational needs
• Incorporation of and assistance to economic development groups
• Development of due process procedures for utility cut-offs

     We have also served thousands of low income clients in their day-to-day needs in the traditional areas of poverty law representation, such as:

• Housing
• Consumer matters
• Claims for public benefits
• Domestic relations

     We work with the Appalachian Citizen Law Center who represents clients in a variety of environmental cases and mine safety issues. As a result of additional funding from the Kentucky Justice Cabinet, the program now has a group of attorneys who are able to direct their attention specifically to the representation of victims of domestic violence. In addition, we have a Low Income Taxpayer’ Clinic.

     Despite funding cuts, our program continues to include a network of 10 operating field offices with a staff of approximately 32 attorneys, 3 paralegals, and supporting personnel. Each area office has the necessary equipment to permit the staff to function as a first-class law firm.

     Our area offices are primarily located in communities of 3,000-5,000 persons, with the exception of our Somerset and Richmond offices, which are located in towns with populations, respectively, of 11,000 and 21,000 persons. All offices are accessible to nearby outdoor, camping, and hiking activities as well as within driving distance to major Kentucky cities.

     The program is making a particular commitment to the hiring of women and minorities.

     Student interns conduct research, interview witnesses, draft briefs, and handle a variety of tasks under the direction of program attorneys.

     Law clerks in our offices have represented well their law schools including: Willamette University College of Law; Vanderbilt University; Appalachian Law School; University of Louisville; and Syracuse Law School.

     Interested applicants should apply to Cynthia E. Elliott, Director, Appalachian Research and Defense Fund of Ky., Inc., 120 North Front Avenue, Prestonsburg, KY 41653; or by email at cynthiae@ardfky.org. Applicants should send resume, writing sample, and list of references along with a statement regarding the applicant’s ability to provide funding for himself/herself. If you have questions, please call Diane Fish, Administrative Assistant at (606) 886-9876, ext. 129.

Appalred is an equal opportunity employer.