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	Volunteer Associates in Public Service Program at the New Jersey Attorney General’s Division of Law

	The Division of Law, within New Jersey’s Office of the Attorney General, is the largest law firm in the State of New Jersey. The Attorney General serves as the chief counsel for the State, responsible for enforcement of laws and the protection of the public interest. Our attorneys act as legal advisors to and litigators on behalf of all of the agencies within the Executive Branch of state government. The Division of Law (DOL) represents agencies in trial and appellate courts in State and federal court systems and in administrative hearings before the Office of Administrative Law. In addition, deputy attorneys general prepare legal memoranda, formal and informal opinions, and provide counsel on transactional issues and rule-making initiatives. Our work touches virtually every area of the law. The DOL has served as a training ground for many of New Jersey’s current judges and policy makers. We are committed to maintaining our longstanding and strong reputation for advocacy and our dedication to public service.

	THE OPPORTUNITY: The Attorney General has developed a Volunteer Associate Program for lawyers who are interested in public service in New Jersey. As a result of the recent economic downturn, many recent graduates and admitted attorneys with differing levels of experience may find themselves without work at the moment. The Volunteer Associate Program will afford participants the opportunity to learn how state government works and allow them exposure to unfamiliar fields of law. The Volunteer Associate Program is specifically designed to give participants: Meaningful and Rewarding Work: Whether writing briefs in child protection appeals, defending actions that affect the public fisc, moving to enforce consumer or environmental protection laws, engaging in motion practice in corrections cases in federal court or assisting in the myriad other matters to which the state is a party, we offer participants an opportunity to use their time to make a difference. A position with the DOL may be the most rewarding experience in your legal career. Experience to Enhance Skills and Foster Professional Development: Depending on interest and experience, volunteers may be asked to conduct depositions, perform research and write briefs, work with investigators or assist with discovery demands. Those who can make substantial time commitments may be able to get on-their-feet experience in administrative matters before agencies and the Office of Administrative Law and in court. Ongoing supervision will be provided to ensure that volunteers have a valuable educational experience. Participants will also be able to participate in informal section training and attend seminars offered by the Attorney General’s Advocacy Institute, a highly regarded program available to DOL lawyers, for which credit may be granted towards continuing legal education requirements. Flexibility to Explore Other Career Options: Participants will be asked to make a commitment to the program for a minimum of three months, for at least 20 hours a week – sufficient time to assure the objectives of the program are met, while allowing flexibility to seek other employment. Participants able to commit to longer periods of time or who decide to stay on for a longer duration may be afforded greater opportunities to assume responsibility in litigation assignments. Participants who have fulfilled the commitment and obtain full time legal employment or decide to leave for other reasons will be expected to give reasonable notice and to act as responsible professionals in the finalization or transfer of work responsibilities.
	OUR PRACTICE LOCATIONS: The DOL has primary offices in three New Jersey locales: Trenton: Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex, 25 Market Street. – The substantive areas of law practiced in the Trenton office include environmental protection, education, health and financial affairs. The tort, corrections and employment litigation sections are also located in Trenton. One of the four sections of the DOL dedicated to providing child protection services to the Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) is located in Trenton as well. Two satellite offices with DAsG representing the Department of Banking and Insurance and the Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor are also in the Trenton area. Newark: 124 Halsey Street and 33 Washington Street – Substantive areas of legal practice in the Newark office include securities, public utilities and consumer protection (including professional licensing). In both Newark offices DYFS deputies handle child abuse and neglect cases and appeals as well as guardianship matters. NJTransit is represented by a group of DAsG located in its headquarters. Voorhees: 4 Echelon Plaza, 201 Laurel Road – A separate DYFS section operates out of the Voorhees location.
	QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPECTATIONS: The Attorney General’s Volunteer Associates in Public Service Program is open to all candidates -- new graduates, deferred associates, furloughed or laid off attorneys or those re-entering practice after a hiatus. Applicants should have strong research and writing skills. Volunteer Associates will be asked to commit to work at least 20 hours per week, for a period of at least three months in order to meet the programs objectives. Applicants who are admitted to the New Jersey bar and able to commit to a longer period will be given a wider range of responsibilities, with the possibility of trial work. Volunteer Associates will serve in an unpaid capacity, without benefits, but are not prohibited from receiving stipends from law firms or third parties. Voluntary Associates are subject to the Rules of Professional Conduct and other ethics standards of the Department, including the Conflicts of Interest Law. Assignments will be made in a manner to avoid potential conflicts of interest if at all possible.

	HOW TO APPLY: Applicants must submit a completed application and a cover letter (expressing a preference for an area of the law or type of work and location), resume, unofficial law school transcript, writing sample and two references to: Division of Law, c/o Deputy Attorney General John Franzini P.O. Box 112, Trenton, New Jersey, 08625.

	Applicants may direct questions about the Volunteer Associate Program to DAG Franzini. Volunteer Associates Internship Application
	The Division of Law is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is dedicated to diversity in the workplace. We strongly encourage people from all groups and communities to apply. While the DOL is presently not able to hire attorneys, should circumstances change, a positive experience in the program and a demonstrated desire to be in public service may be considered in future employment decisions. Participants, however, should not view their participation, in any way, as a promise of future employment.


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