Each year, Mobilization for Justice (MFJ), a non-profit legal services organization that provides a wide range of free civil legal services to low-income New Yorkers, awards the Warren Sinsheimer Children’s Rights Fellowship to one graduating NYU School of Law JD or LLM student, or recent graduate completing a clerkship.
The Fellowship is designed to assist New York City children from low-income families with special education needs. Fellows work in MFJ’s Warren Sinsheimer Children’s Rights Program, which provides representation and advice to parents of students with disabilities who are seeking appropriate special education services and school placements from the New York City Department of Education.
The Sinsheimer Fellowship offers an outstanding opportunity for lawyers interested in, and committed to, a career in public service and promoting the rights of children. Fellows represent families in administrative hearings brought against the NYC Department of Education to secure appropriate educational placements and services for children with learning, emotional, and physical disabilities.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Conducting client interviews and case preparations, including legal research and record review;
- Developing legal arguments, gathering evidence, and preparing witnesses;
- Serving as counsel of record in administrative hearings and on appeal before the State Review Officer; and
- Engaging in post-hearing advocacy, including state and federal court practice.
- There will also be opportunities for community outreach and education.
Requirements:
- Be a prospective NYU Law graduate for the current academic year, or a recent NYU Law graduate who is completing a clerkship;
- Have an interest in disability rights and problems affecting students with disabilities;
- Have excellent research and writing skills;
- Spanish language skills a plus.
Salary is pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement.
Application Instructions:
Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, transcript, and writing sample addressed to Montel Cherry, Director of Litigation for Children’s Rights, by e-mail to mcherry@mfjlegal.org with “Sinsheimer Children’s Rights Fellowship Application” in the subject line. We encourage all applicants to include in their cover letter a statement about how your background and/or experience might contribute to the diversity and perspective of our office. No telephone calls please.
MOBILIZATION FOR JUSTICE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
People of color, women, people with disabilities, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people are welcome and encouraged to apply.
Review the most recent Sinsheimer Fellowship Info Session
See Prior Sinsheimer Fellows in PILC’s NYU Law Fellows Directory