Page 272 - 2019 Orientation Manual

ATJ Developing Leadership Intern Program

During the March 2015 Access to Justice Summit, participants concluded that cultivating the next
generation of access to justice leaders should not only be a priority but is necessary as sensible
succession planning to ensure continued efforts within Louisiana’s Justice Community. In
response representatives of LSBA, LBF, Louisiana civil legal aid providers, Louisiana District
Judges Association, Louisiana law schools, the Louisiana Supreme Court and private bar joined
forces to create the ATJ Developing Leadership Intern Program. This new initiative is a unique
opportunity for law students to gain the insight and skills needed to become the next generation of
access to justice leaders. Only four students, having completed their 1st year of law school, are
selected to participate in the program. Interns -one from each of Louisiana’s four law schools - are
sponsored by prestigious law firms and organizations with records of dedication to access to justice
issues. The sponsoring law firms are Adams and Reese, Baker Donelson, and Phelps Dunbar LLP.
Entergy, LLC has joined this program as a sponsor for the 2019 program.

Over a 6week period, interns work with civil legal aid programs and weekly programming focuses
on the various civil legal needs of low-income people, the ways in which organizations within the
justice community address those needs, and how these services are increasing the quality of life
for those served. Interns gain hands-on experience with Louisiana’s civil legal aid and legal
services organizations including, but not limited to, interviewing clients, attending court hearings,
and participating in community outreach efforts. Additionally, interns have the opportunity to tour
the Louisiana Supreme Court and interact with appellate and trial court judges, both state and
federal, who have been actively involved in developing and supporting pro bono and access to
justice efforts throughout Louisiana.

Interns receive a $3000 stipend from the host law firm.

ATJ Distinguished Fellows Program

On January 19, 2017, the ATJ Commission unanimously approved a motion to establish a
committee to explore the potential for creating an Access to Justice Distinguished Pro Bono
Fellows Program for retired judges and lawyers who wished to remain active in some pro bono
capacity during their retirement. To be eligible for consideration as a fellow, the applicant will be
required: to commit to performing at least 20 hours of work per month under the guidance,
direction and supervision of the host organization; make a one-year commitment to the host
organization, and have their own computer. In order to serve as a host organization, the
organization must: commit to provide its fellow with meaningful work assignments during that
one-year commitment period; take the necessary action to make sure the fellow is insured under
its malpractice coverage, and provide appropriate office space for the fellow. The program is now
in its second year; this year’ fellows are Terrel Broussard, Judge Pro Tempore with Southeast
Louisiana Legal Services, Linton Carney with The Pro Bono Project of New Orleans, Frank
Neuner, Jr. with Legal Services Corporation, Donald North with Southern University Law Center,
Joseph Oelkers III with Acadiana Legal Service Corporation, and Judge Harry Randow
with Louisiana Access to Justice Commission

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