Job Description
David Schuman Legal Justice Fellowship, Oregon Justice Resource Center’s Civil Rights Project
A full-time, ten-week summer fellowship is available at the Oregon Justice Resource Center’s Civil Rights Project in Portland, Oregon. This fellowship is named in honor of the late Oregon Appeals Court judge and UO Law professor David Schuman and is part of the Law Fellows program of the Wayne Morse Center for Law and Politics.
Only Oregon School of Law students pursuing a J.D. may apply.
About the Position
Title: David Schuman Legal Justice Fellow
Location: Portland, Oregon (Note: OJRC would prefer that the fellow work in person; the student will have the best experience if they are able to be in the office. But, OJRC is open to remote or hybrid work if living in Portland would pose a challenge to the fellow.)
Description: Full-time summer fellowship for 1L or 2L; 10 weeks.
The fellow will work with the director, associate director, and staff attorneys of OJRC’s Civil Rights Project on a variety of civil rights and other civil litigation focused mostly on police and prison accountability and systemic reform. Tasks include legal research and writing, reviewing discovery, conducting factual investigation, interviewing clients and witnesses, and assisting with other steps of civil litigation. Other tasks may include research projects on the state of the law and research on state and local policy issues. The fellow will also participate in staff planning and strategy meetings.
At the end of the summer fellowship, the student will submit a short report about their experience to the Wayne Morse Center. When fall term begins, the student will actively participate as a Fellow in the Wayne Morse Law Fellows program. This includes occasional lunches with speakers and optional service opportunities and trainings, along with the availability of one-on-one mentoring. Schuman Fellows are expected to attend a gathering with donors if asked (usually a benefit concert for the fellowship) and share about their fellowship experience.
Important: Many of OJRC’s clients have experienced trauma as well as abuse by the system. The Schuman Fellow will encounter subject matter that is difficult to hear and process, especially if they have not previously worked in this type of direct service.
Stipend: $6,000 stipend to be paid by the Wayne Morse Center in late May.
Qualifications:
- Strong research, analysis, writing, and organizational skills are important. Ideal candidate will be able to review large amounts of information, identify important elements, and summarize efficiently. The ability to understand and follow instructions is very important, as is the ability to both self-direct and ask questions when necessary.
- A passion for the work is critical, and experience with police or prison accountability and reform is a plus.
How to apply
Deadline: Monday, February 10 by 5 p.m.
Through DuckWorks, submit the following:
- Cover letter addressed to Juan Chavez, c/o Wayne Morse Center for Law and Politics, 1515 Agate Street, Eugene, OR 97403
- Resumé – including both your school and non-UO email addresses
- Most recent transcript – official is great, unofficial works as well
- List of three references. Include:
- Reference’s name, organization and title, phone number, and email address. Please check that the phone numbers and email addresses are current.
- Specify how you know the reference; for example, if they supervised you at work or in an internship, the name of their class(es) you were enrolled in, etc.
- How long you have known them.
We will notify finalists as quickly as possible.
Interviews with Juan Chavez, Director of the Civil Rights Project, will take place virtually in mid-to-late February or early March.
Questions? First visit the Wayne Morse Center's Law Fellowships page, which includes an FAQ. If you need further information, contact Wayne Morse Center Co-Director Rebecca Dinwoodie, JD, rcd@uoregon.edu
Past Schuman Fellows: Izzy Diagostino (2024), Hannah Bland (2023), Vina Alexander (2022), Bailey Boatsman (2022), Mandy Dorman (2021)