Summer LGBT Rights Internship

The QLaw Foundation Public Interest Summer Grant funds innovative public interest projects that benefit the lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (“LGBT”) community and/or people living with HIV/AIDS. The focus of the grant is to address unmet legal needs and to help ensure that the next generation of legal advocates for LGBT rights develops the critical skills necessary to develop careers in the public interest. Previous grant projects include the development of a Washington state-focused GLBT “Know Your Rights” booklet and a research and policy analysis internship with the Northwest Women’s Law Center.

Qualifications

Law students who seek summer internships promoting LGBT rights or the rights of persons living with HIV/AIDS may apply. QLaw gives preference to:

• Students attending Washington state law schools or those seeking internships for the benefit of Washington state residents.
• Students with a demonstrated interest in and commitment to LGBT rights and/or the rights of persons living with HIV/AIDS.

The QLaw Foundation values diversity and encourages all interested students to apply.

Projects and Organizations

Students are encouraged to create their own projects and connect with sponsoring organizations well in advance of the application deadline. The QLaw Foundation will offer applicants a list of sponsoring organizations that have projects addressing issues relevant to LGBT rights or the rights of people with HIV/AIDS. These organizations are existing 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations, or government agencies with staff attorneys who are qualified and available to supervise the student.

Applications will be available on its website in November 2008 and must be submitted by March 20, 2009. You may visit the site now for more information about the application process.