May 17, 2013

Health Infrastructure in Burma, Technology and Your Civil Liberties & Scientific Updates on Global Warming

Burma/ Myanmar’s Health Infrastructure: The Evolving Context for Foreign Engagement

Sponsored by the National Bureau of Asian Research

Please join us for an interactive roundtable breakfast

Wednesday, May 22, 2013 | 9:00-10:00 a.m.

(Breakfast available from 8:30 a.m.)

George F. Russell Hall 1414 NE 42nd Street, Suite 300 | Seattle, WA 98105

Please join us on May 22 for an interactive roundtable breakfast discussion with Benjamin Shobert, Founder and Managing Director of Rubicon Strategy Group. Benjamin recently conducted a healthcare survey in two major cities in Myanmar. From 1962-2010, Myanmar was a closed country under military rule. Once Asia’s wealthiest nation, it is now one of its poorest, despite having abundant natural resources.

Key discussion points:

What does Myanmar’s health system look like now, and how is it changing in the context of such dynamic political changes?
How “open” is the country in reality, and how is that openness making an impact on the health system?
Do sound distribution channels for pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and diagnostics exist? What about regulation for medical products?
What domestic and foreign private players currently have a footprint in the system? How might that footprint shift in the near and long term?
Would the country’s health system benefit from engagement from more multinational companies?

For more info please click here. Please RSVP to Cindy Elder at celder@nbr.org to reserve your seat.

Big Data vs. Piracy: Technology and Your Civil Liberties

Thursday, May 23^rd, Room 138, 3:30-4:40PM

The ACLU at UW and TechLaw invite you to a discussion on the impacts of Big Data and how it is affecting our civil liberties and the law. Has Big Data gone too far? Are concerns about privacy stifling innovation? How does the law grasp Big Data?

Join us on May 23, 2013 at 3:30pm-4:40pm in William Gates Hall Room 138 with distinguished speakers Jim Adler, former Chief Privacy Officer at Intelius, UW Professor Ryan Calo, and ACLU of Washington Board Member and Privacy Counsel Doug Klunder, to discuss these issues and to take your questions. Assistant Dean Michele Storms will moderate the panel. Appetizers will be provided. Questions, please contact John Adam Marlow, marlowj@uw.edu.

UW Colloquium: Update on Global Warming

Thursday, May 30, 3:50pm

Physics/Astronomy Auditorium A102, UW Seattle Campus

Presented by Cecilia Bitz, Associate Professor in the Atmospheric Sciences Department, an Affiliate Physicist for the Polar Science Center, and part of the Program on Climate Change, all at University of Washington.

Climate scientists have overwhelmingly agreed that global warming is unequivocal. Professor Bitz will present the latest evidence from observations detailing the warming and related climate change since pre-industrial times and compare it to proxy climatic records of the past few hundred thousand years. The talk will include a description of the scientific basis for natural and anthropogenic mechanism of climate change. Finally, she will discuss the reliability of global climate models and their response to past climate forcing and future emissions scenarios.

May 13, 2013

Post Grad & Internship Opportunities in Children’s, LGBT, Housing, Immigration & Employment Discrimination

Deadline is Friday, 5/17! Legal Services for Children in San Francisco Hiring Staff Attorney

Founded in 1975, Legal Services for Children (“LSC”) is one of the country’s first non-profit law firms dedicated to providing free legal representation and social work services to children. Their mission is to ensure that all children in the San Francisco Bay Area are raised in a safe environment with equal access to a meaningful education and other services that are necessary to thrive and grow. They believe that our youth deserve positive alternatives to unnecessary placement in foster care, juvenile justice facilities, and immigration detention. LSC pioneered the interdisciplinary approach that is considered a best practice in juvenile law today. They deploy attorney-social worker teams to assist at-risk children who need to access the legal system to stabilize or improve their lives. LSC’s attorneys represent children in legal matters that involve guardianship, dependency, school discipline, immigration, and other civil legal matters. Their social workers provide crisis intervention, case management, counseling, and psychosocial assessments. LSC staff also engage in policy and advocacy projects aimed at advancing the rights of children.

LSC seeks a Staff Attorney to represent children in various administrative and judicial proceedings and work with LSC on policy and advocacy efforts. For more about the position check their website here. Applications are due no later than Friday, May 17.

Fall EEOC Externship/Internship Opportunity in DC

The General Counsel of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is accepting applications for an unpaid internship or externship during the Fall of 2013, at the EEOC’s headquarters in Washington, DC.

The EEOC enforces federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. The General Counsel oversees the Office of General Counsel (OGC), which is the litigation arm of the EEOC. OGC, headquartered in Washington, DC, is composed of several units including: Appellate Services, Litigation Advisory Services, Litigation Management Services.

The Fall intern/extern may be given assignments for the General Counsel involving legal research, writing, or other work, but may also be given assignments relating to the work of one or more of the four units described above. The precise starting and ending dates of the internship will depend upon the intern’s interest and availability, but a minimum commitment of 12 hours per week for at least 8 weeks is preferred. For complete position information check out the description on PSJD here. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through July 31.

Fall Externship/Internship with ACLU LGBT & AIDS Project in New York

The ACLU LGBT & AIDS Project brings “impact” lawsuits in state and federal courts throughout the country – cases designed to have a significant effect on the lives of LGBT people and those with HIV/AIDS. The Project’s legal strategies are built on the idea that fighting for civil rights means not only persuading judges but also ultimately changing the way people think. As the Project litigates for change, it implements targeted media, online and outreach campaigns to change public attitudes through education and to give people on the frontlines the tools they need to act.

Interns will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience by working alongside the LGBT and AIDS Project team. Interns will gain experience by:

Conducting factual and legal research.
Assisting in the drafting of pleadings, briefs and other litigation documents.
Researching and drafting materials for public education.
Researching prospects for new litigation, including both factual and legal claims.

Please see full description here. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through August 7.

Human Rights Initiative of North Texas Seeking Asylum Attorney

HRI is looking for an attorney to head the Asylum Program. A candidate for the position must be a passionate human rights advocate and an exceptional attorney. The person must work to promote HRI’s mission and cultivate strong ties with the individuals, organizations, and funders key to the success of the Asylum Program (AP).The Asylum Attorney is responsible for direct client representation, pro bono program support, and legal outreach. For complete job description visit here. Applications will be accepted through June 30.

Two Housing Staff Attorney Positions at California Rural Legal Assistance

The two staff attorney positions are in Delano and Madera, CA. Responsibilities include providing legal services to low income clients and client groups including advice, negotiation, litigation and administrative advocacy; reviewing and supervising the work product of Community Workers and Clerical support staff relating to all clients being advised or represented by him/her; undertaking significant statewide impact activity, including institutional and group litigation or community economic development beneficial to the low income community; developing leadership in working with community, client and other advocacy groups related to statewide impact issues; working to develop specialized knowledge in a substantive area of poverty law and acts as a resource for other staff through participation in at least one CRLA task force; coordinating advocacy in substantive areas through collaboration with other human services providers, non-profit organizations and community, client or other advocacy groups. For more information please check out CRLA jobs page here. Applications accepted on a rolling basis.

May 10, 2013

Summer Externship Orientation, Social Impact through Enterprise & Free Film Screening on Women Vets

Have an Externship this Summer? Don’t Miss the UW Law Summer Externship Orientation

Presented by Esther Park, Director of Externships

Wednesday, May 15, 12:30 – 1:20p.m., Room 127

This is an important meeting for those who are planning to take an externship during summer quarter. We will explain what is necessary to receive credit, including procedures for goal-setting, time-keeping, and reflecting on your experience. We will also discuss the site visit and seminar requirements, as well as the roles and responsibilities of field supervisors and faculty supervisors.

Social Impact for Students: How to change the world through Social Enterprise

May 14, 5:30-7 pm, 390 Paccar Hall

What inspires and motivates social entrepreneurs?

How do students leverage the resources they have to change the world with like-minded individuals?

And how are these ideas developed into an achievable solution?

Join us for a panel and small group discussion with four local organizations that are focused on social innovation: an approach that harnesses new strategies, concepts, and organizations that meet social needs of all kinds – from working conditions and education to community development and health – and that extend and strengthen civil society. Speakers will discuss the everyday experiences that motivate them to make a collective impact in a society that is becoming increasingly independent. This is also an opportunity to NETWORK and learn about existing on-campus opportunities that will further these connections.

Who will be speaking?

Steve Schwartz – Upaya; Lindsey Engh – HUB Seattle; Mark Horoszowski- MovingWorlds; Cole Hoover – Global Brigades Institutes (and formerly Lumana)

Who should come?

- Students from ANY major with an interest in social innovation and its impact in a university setting

- Anyone seeking to contribute their learned skills to a social cause

- Anyone who is curious about how Seattle-based entrepreneurs work effectively in their communities or around the world.

Please RSVP, as refreshments will be provided: https://www.facebook.com/events/195951293885904/

Free Film Screening: When WOMEN Come Marching Home

Meet filmmaker Marcia Rock and veteran Angela Arellano.

“This inspiring documentary is about women warriors in their most fierce and intimate battle to overcome visible and invisible wounds…a must see!” – Alfie Alvarado-Ramos, Director Washington Department of Veterans Affairs

Tuesday, May 14, 3-5pm

Alder Commons Auditorium UW Veterans Center: 1310 NE 40th St Seattle, entrance is on NE 40th between Brooklyn Ave and University Way.

The KCBA Pro Bono Services invites Law Students to a Meet-and-Greet Happy Hour!

Learn about volunteer opportunities and join KCBA members and Pro Bono Services volunteers for a no-host happy hour on Wednesday, May 15, 2013, from 5 to 7 pm at Il Bistro, 93 Pike Street, Seattle, in the market.

R.S.V.P. by Tuesday, May 14th to AdelaineC@kcba.org.

May 8, 2013

UW Law End-of-Year Celebration & Lunch, Sandy Relief Pro Bono Opportunities, New Human Rights Clinic & Tips on Skype Interviews

Law School End-of-Year Celebratory Lunch & Awards Ceremony

Join Dean Testy for an ALL SCHOOL end-of-year celebratory lunch & program honoring student, staff and faculty awards achieved this year.

Awards presented at the program include the Dean’s Medals, SCALE Awards, Faculty Service Awards, Pro Bono Honors Awards, Olympia Quarter Fellows, SBA Awards, and more!

Tuesday, May 14

Program: 12:30 – 1:20 p.m.

Gates Hall Terrace (weather permitting)

Lunch will be available before/after the program and include

Famous Dave’s BBQ (with vegetarian options)
Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream
Giveaways!

Hope to see you then to celebrate our success!

Hurricane Sandy Relief: Summer Pro Bono Opportunities for Law Students

New Pro Bono Program at Touro Law Center on Long Island, New York

TLC currently developing pro bono placements for students from around the country who wish to participate in the urgent work of our ongoing hurricane relief efforts.

As a consequence of Hurricane Sandy last October, Long Islanders have been besieged by numerous legal problems: environmental, zoning and permit issues, FEMA appeals, insurance appeals, foreclosure matters, contractor fraud, consumer complaints, landlord tenant problems, unemployment and homelessness, just to name a few.

Starting this summer and going through the fall we are sponsoring a “boots on the ground” effort to survey the legal needs of hurricane survivors across Long Island. In a two pronged approach we will be placing law students in community centers as well as having students going door to door, to try to learn how well government and other agencies have been able to meet the legal needs of individuals and families in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. In addition to gaining an understanding of how legal services have been provided to date, the survey will seek out those who, whether because of age, disability or for other reasons are unable or afraid to access the help they may need.

While this is an enormous undertaking, it will also provide a valuable opportunity for students to see, in a very dramatic way, the importance of providing access to legal services for all segments of society.

For students who wish to be admitted in New York, a summer’s worth of pro bono would meet the 50 hour rule of the Office of Court Administration for admission to the bar. For more info email Deidre Byrne.

Want a Hands-On Course in International Human Rights? Apply for the UW Law Human Rights Clinic/Practice Seminar

Human Rights Clinical/Practice Opportunity for 2013-2014

2 Credits Winter/2 Credits Spring

Professors Ramasastry and Rosenbaum

Note: Students must enroll in Human rights Advocacy in the Autumn Quarter, unless excused by one of the professors, for good cause.

Description: The course will provide students with hands on experience in addressing problems in international human rights. Students will engage in research and potential case work focused on human rights projects in fields relating to business and human rights, on topics such as information technology and human rights, human trafficking in global supply chains and indigenous people’s rights in relation to mining and other industrial development in Latin and Central America. Students will test, develop and enhance their skills training in the context of real-world human rights practice. This work will involve partnerships with attorneys, human rights organizations, community-based organizations in the U.S. and abroad, international NGOs and solidarity networks, and human rights experts from the U.S. and abroad.

Please submit an electronic version of your application to Professor Ramasastry (arama@uw.edu) by Friday May 10 at 5 p.m.

Interview Tips: How to Handle Phone and Skype Interviews

Here’s the lastest from the National Jurist Blog.

By Hillary Mantis

If you have been searching for a job out of state, chances are you have been offered a phone or Skype interview. But how do you impress the interviewers, when you are not even in the same room? Without eye contact and a firm handshake, how do you establish rapport? Here are some thoughts on how to handle a phone or Skype interview without stressing out.

Set up your interview space:
It is important to have a quiet, calm space from which to conduct the interview. Obviously, you should not attempt to conduct the interview walking down the street, or outside. A former student of mine actually had her first interview with a firm while walking through Central Park in New York. Guess what? Their conversation got cut off. Fortunately for her, it all worked out, and in the end she got the job. But it was unnecessary stress that she could have avoided by calling from a room with good reception. I would strongly recommend using a landline if possible, to avoid any cell phone problems that might crop up. Read on here.

May 6, 2013

Legal Aid Internships Serving Veterans, NWIRP Hiring Attorneys, Seattle Attorney’s Office Seeking Rule 9 Interns, Post Grad Americorps Positions in Mass, Women’s Global Justice Post Grad Fellowship

Internship at Swords to Plowshares: A Veterans’ Rights Organization

Swords to Plowshares is a community-based, not-for-profit veteran service organization that provides wrap-around care to more than 2,000 veterans in the San Francisco Bay Area each year. We are committed to helping veterans break through the cultural, educational, psychological and economic barriers they often face in their transition to the civilian world.

Swords to Plowshares is a national model for veteran services and advocacy. With nearly 40 years of experience, we have established the most respected and comprehensive model of care for veterans in the country. Our legal services include free assistance to veterans who seek Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare, disability compensation, and pension; we also specialize in military discharge reviews and upgrades for veterans who received less than fully Honorable discharges. We are a small, collegial staff. We seek students who are dynamic, creative, and highly motivated. We are open to pursuing post-graduate fellowship applications with interns. We have successfully received Equal Justice Works and Skadden fellowships.

Tasks: Under attorney supervision, law clerks will engage in legal and factual research, write legal memoranda, interview potential clients and assess eligibility for services, draft briefs, create and update self-help materials, and assist clients in obtaining public benefits. Opportunities may also be available to do policy work with Swords’ Institute of Veterans Policy (IVP). Applications accepted on rolling basis through June 3. For complete internship description click here.

Two Bilingual Staff Attorney Positions Open Up at NWIRP

Bilingual (Spanish) Staff Attorney, Full time, Wenatchee, WA. For full consideration, please submit application by May 22. Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP) seeks a Spanish‐speaking bilingual attorney to provide community outreach, education and direct representation to individuals eligible for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and to provide other services to immigrant youth and their families. For more information, please click here.

Bilingual (Spanish) Staff Attorney, Full-Time, Tacoma, WA. For full consideration, please submit application by May 22. Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP) seeks a Spanish‐speaking bilingual attorney to work with individuals detained at the Northwest Detention Center, a regional immigration detention facility that houses up to 1575 detainees. The attorney will be providing legal representation and assistance to individuals in removal proceedings. For more information,please click here.

Seattle City Attorney’s Office Seeks Rule 9 Summer Interns/Externs

The Seattle City Attorney’s Office Criminal Division is currently seeking volunteer attorneys/externs to work as infraction prosecutors on behalf of the City of Seattle. Infraction cases include traffic citations, noise, vending, limo solicitation, animal control, and other violations. Preparation of cases for hearings includes case investigation, witness interviews (including police officers on certain cases), and researching legal issues as needed. Duties will include:

Trying contested infraction cases and related motions in Seattle Municipal Court;
Handling pre-hearing matters, including discovery related issues, etc.; and
Preparing any necessary pleadings, motions, etc.

Applicants should have knowledge of evidence rules, criminal and civil procedure, and legal research and writing. Prior experience arguing in court or competing in Moot Court activities is a plus. Part-time, full-time, and externship credit opportunities are available. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. For complete description please check Symplicity.

Post Grad Americorps Legal Advocate Positions in Massachsetts

The Massachusetts Legal Assistance for Self-Sufficiency AmeriCorps Program places 28 college and law school graduates with an interest in public service law in participating legal services organizations in high need areas throughout the Massachusetts. There is a placement available with the Massachusetts Websites Project — we operate two statewide websites, www.MassLegalHelp.org, the statewide website for low income, low literate Massachusetts residents who need practical information about their legal rights and www.MassLegalServices.org, the statewide website for legal services advocates in Massachusetts. We are also engaged in a variety of other tech projects.

This is a wonderful opportunity for a tech savvy person who is committed to promoting access to justice through innovative uses of technology and is ready to serve starting September 2013. For complete job description click here. Applications accepted on a rolling basis.

Post Grad Fellowship at Avon Global Center for Women & Justice at Cornell Law School

The Avon Global Center for Women & Justice at Cornell Law School is seeking applications for the 2013-14 Women and Justice Fellowship. The Fellow will play an integral role in executing and further developing the Center’s initiatives.

The Center works with judges, legal practitioners, civil society advocates, and other stakeholders in an effort to end gender-based violence. The Center’s initiatives focus on advancing access to justice and the international rule of law, with an emphasis on defending the human rights of women and girls. For more information, please review the Avon Global Center for Women & Justice website.

This one-year fellowship offers varied experience in the areas of international human rights and gender justice, including legal research and project management. In addition to working with the Center team, the Fellow will interact with students, faculty, judges, and advocates from diverse countries, cultures, and backgrounds. Cornell Law School provides an intellectually engaging work atmosphere, located in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of New York State. For complete position description please click here. Applications accepted on a rolling basis through May 24.

May 3, 2013

Last SJT of the Year: Making the Most of Your Experience this Summer, PILA Celebration of Public Service, Inequality & the Future of Work and Public Service Town Hall

Making the Most of Your Public Service Experience this Summer

What should I wear to work?

How do I go the extra mile without over extending myself?

What is the unauthorized practice of law?

How can I produce a good writing sample this summer?

Shelley Halstead, 2L – 2012 summer intern, Law Students for Reproductive Justice, Oakland, CA

Bethany Roberts , 2L – 2012 summer intern Landesa Seattle, WA

Darcy Kues, 2L – 2012 summer intern Center for HIV Law & Policy, New York City

William Kim, 3L – 2012 summer intern, Seattle City Attorney’s Office

Tuesday, May 7, 12:30-1:20pm, room 133.

Students will share tips and strategies on how you can make the most from your upcoming summer in public service. If you would like lunch please RSVP via Symplicity or gatespsl@u.washington.edu by 12:00 pm Monday, May 6, 2013

Reclaiming Prosperity: Inequality and the Future of Work

Please join us at Town Hall Seattle on May 23^rd at 7:30pm, for Reclaiming Prosperity: Inequality and the Future of Work, an important conversation with leading experts on the economy and the impacts of income inequality on our economic and civic life.

The event will feature Annette Bernhardt, Co-Policy Director of the National Employment Law Project; David Madland, Director of the American Worker Project at the Center for American Progress; and Dorian Warren, Professor of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University. In a discussion moderated by University of Washington Sociology Professor Jake Rosenfeld, Madland, Bernhardt and Warren will discuss the current crisis of income inequality, the low-wage recovery and the future economic and financial prospects for working people.

Visit Town Hall Seattle to learn more and purchase tickets for the May 23^rd event. Tickets are $5.00.

Inequality and the Future of Work is the first event in a new, Town Hall-produced speaker series called Reclaiming Prosperity, which aims to incite critical conversations about how we can rebuild an economy that creates economic prosperity and rebuilds our region’s middle class. Over the coming year, Reclaiming Prosperity will bring to Seattle nationally known economists, policy experts, and innovative activists who are working to address the root causes and long-term impacts of income inequality in the United States.

We hope you can join us at Town Hall on May 23^rd for Inequality and the Future of Work!

The series is presented by Town Hall Seattle, in partnership with Citizen University, True Patriot Network, The Washington Budget & Policy Center, The University of Washington School of Law, OneAmerica, Working Washington, SEIU Healthcare 775NW, Fuse Washington, The Progress Alliance of Washington and The Stranger.

The UW Law Student Bar Association and the Gates Public Service Law Program Present: A Celebration of Public Service!

Hosted by The Public Interest Law Association (PILA)

PILA would like to cordially invite students, staff & faculty, and community advocates to celebrate the following honors:

2013 PILA Grantees (UW Law Students)
2013 PILA Hall of Fame Inductees: Kimberly Ambrose, UW School of Law and Abigail Gonzales Daquiz, US Department of Labor

Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet incoming members of the PILA Student Board, meet members of the newly formed PILA Advisory Board, and celebrate the students who received Pro Bono Honors Program Awards.

Thursday, May 9, 5:00-7:30 p.m. Gates Hall, rm. 115 (and outdoors, weather permitting)

Appetizers and Beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) will be provided

3rd Annual Public Service Town Hall

We look forward to you joining us online on Monday, May 6 for the third annual Public Service Town Hall, brought to you by the Partnership for Public Service and the Public Employees Roundtable.

We are excited to announce the panelists for this year’s program: Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Shaun Donovan, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, Environmental Protection Agency Acting Administrator Bob Perciasepe and General Services Administration Acting Administrator Dan Tangherlini. Cokie Roberts from ABC News will moderate.

Access the live stream by clicking or copying and pasting the following link into your Internet browser: http://www.youtube.com/user/PartnershipConnect?v=YMEeHbjRJ1c

Due to restrictions your organization may have regarding YouTube live streaming access, we recommend verifying with your IT department to ensure your computer or mobile device is equipped to support YouTube live streaming.

May 1, 2013

Student Borrower News & UW Global Social Entrepreneurship Competition

Student Borrower News from Equal Justice Works

What Obama’s Budget Could Mean for Student Borrowers

Submitted by Miranda Selover on Thu, 04/25/2013 – 18:05

President Barack Obama submitted his budget proposal for the 2014 fiscal year to Congress recently and, once again, he suggests a number of reforms that would affect grants and student loans. While all aspects of the president’s proposal will remain just that – a proposal – unless and until Congress approves the budget, here’s a rundown of some of his major recommendations regarding student debt.

The president is focusing on college access, affordability and completion and the proposal fully funds Pell Grants through award year 2015-2016. Pell Grants are crucial to ensuring low-income students can access postsecondary education and the proposal would help an estimated 9.4 million students for 2014-2015 (and increase the maximum award by $140 to $5,785). Read full article here.

Announcing the 10thth annual Global Social Entrepreneurship Competition (GSEC)

Students: Do you have a world-changing idea?
The UW’s Global Social Entrepreneurship Competition (GSEC) is a social venture plan competition open to enrolled university students in any discipline around the world. Applicants submit an executive summary of a business idea that both addresses an issue related to global poverty and will be implemented in the developing world.

The deadline for this year’s competition is Tuesday November 12, 2013 at midnight Pacific Time. Semi-finalist teams (about 15-20) will be notified in early December, and will be invited to compete at the week-long competition held on UW campus February 24-28, 2014, where they will receive coaching, network with hundreds of local health, development and business professionals, attend an event with the Seattle Rotary, and finally, compete for cash and in-kind prizes, including a grand prize of $12,500, a $10,000 Global Health prize, a $10,000 ICT prize, and other prizes from the Rotary and NCIIA.

Applications will open in August, 2013. Learn more about GSEC at http://www.foster.washington.edu/gsec/

Photo Courtesy GSEC. 2012 Grand Prize Winners: Jorsey Ashbel Farms.

Common Good