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Law Students Opportunities

Law students volunteering for the Fall or Spring sessions must commit a minimum of twelve to fifteen hours a week. Summer sessions requires a commitment of twenty or more hours per week. Year long internships are preferred. All law students participate in an orientation workshop prior to the beginning of each session.

The Law Student Program is generally not open to first year law students, and preference is given to 2L's and 3L's. However, first year students may apply for Spring session in anticipation of completion of their first year.

Law students intending to secure academic credit for their experience at Casa Cornelia must make special application to the Associate Director four weeks prior to the session.

There are limited opportunities to receive Work Study through a cooperative arrangement with respective law schools. Law students interested in Work Study must make special application to the Associate Director two weeks prior to the session.

Law Students are encouraged to seek funding for their participation in Casa Cornelia's volunteer program through their Law School's community service or pro bono program.

Students should apply by submitting their resume with a cover letter of interest to Josh Chatten-Brown, Associate Director via e-mail to , fax to 619-231-7784 or mail to:

Casa Cornelia Law Center
Attn: Josh Chatten-Brown, Associate Director
2760 Fifth Ave. Ste. 200
San Diego, CA 92103

General Law Clerk Internship Program
Casa Cornelia Law Clerks have the opportunity to work directly with staff attorneys in our Domestic Violence, Unaccompanied Children, and Asylum programs. Students research case law, statutes and country conditions, draft court pleadings, and assist with trial preparation, prepare filings, and interview clients.

Law clerk applicants must have strong writing and research skills, be detail-oriented, and have a desire to gain practical experience while helping others. Fluency in a second language such as Spanish is preferred.

Clinical Internship Program
Casa Cornelia’s Clinical Internship Program offers an opportunity for law students to represent detained asylum seekers before the San Diego Immigration Court. Students receive trial experience, which includes presenting direct and cross-examinations, closing statements, and arguing the merits of asylum cases before Immigration Judges. In addition, students prepare the asylum applications, declarations, gather documentary evidence, and conduct other litigation functions.

Preference is given to 3Ls who have completed courses in Evidence, Civil Procedure, and Immigration Law. Preference is also given to students who have been active in either Moot Court or Trial Advocacy. The Clinical Internship Program is not open to 1Ls.

Applicants should enroll in the Clinic as part of their school's internship program for at least two to three credit hours, be committed to work a minimum of 180 hours during the term on their client’s case, and be prepared to carry out their duties in a professional manner.