Summer Law Clerk (Paid) - Mental Health Advocacy Program for Kids
Job Description
Job Description
Massachusetts' leading organization advocating for health care justice is hiring Law Clerks for the Summer of 2026.
About HLA
Health Law Advocates (HLA) is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) public interest law firm committed to ensuring universal access to quality health care in Massachusetts. HLA provides pro bono legal services to Massachusetts residents with low incomes who face barriers to accessing health care coverage and services. HLA is committed to ensuring universal access to quality health care in Massachusetts, particularly for those who are most at risk due to such factors as race, gender, disability, age, or geographic location. HLA also engages in public policy advocacy, systemic litigation, and educational programming to promote access to care for all.
HLA furthers its mission of universal access to quality healthcare via three main areas of work:
- Representing Health Care Consumers. HLA provides high quality, free legal assistance to income eligible Massachusetts residents experiencing difficulties with accessing or paying for health care.
- Community Education and Outreach. HLA builds knowledge in communities about how to access physical and mental health services through well-regarded trainings and presentations throughout Massachusetts and by authoring publications that promote access to health care.
- Policy Advocacy. HLA advocates for public policy reforms that help consumers access physical and mental health care. We offer our legal expertise and experience working with consumers to policymakers on the state and federal levels, as well as advocate for policy changes by health care institutions to enhance access to care and coverage.
Learn more about HLA at https://www.healthlawadvocates.org/.
The Opportunity
HLA's Summer Law Clerk Program aims to contribute to the development of law students into public interest attorneys who serve people facing barriers to care and coverage. Our Mental Health Advocacy Program for Kids (MHAP for Kids) is seeking two law clerks for a 10-week internship (full-time - 40 hours per week) during the Summer of 2026.
HLA is currently operating in a hybrid model with staff working both on-site and remotely. Arrangements for the Summer Law Clerks are flexible. HLA has run highly successful remote and hybrid Law Clerk programs since 2020.
About MHAP for Kids
HLA's Mental Health Advocacy Program for Kids (MHAP for Kids) diverts children with unmet mental health needs from the juvenile justice system by helping them access mental health services. MHAP for Kids attorneys are embedded in Family Resource Centers (FRCs) across Massachusetts where they help at-risk youth overcome barriers to mental health services. A Boston University study of MHAP for Kids found that the program improves the health of children and their families.
Responsibilities
- Availability to work full-time for a 10-week period during the summer of 2026. Internship dates are May 18, 2026 - July 24, 2026.
- Assist attorneys with the representation of individual clients with duties such as conducting legal research, analyzing children's health and educational records, assisting attorneys' advocacy with schools and state agencies, and communicating with clients and key collaterals.
- Conduct legal research on issues that pervade MHAP for Kids client matters to strengthen our practice program-wide.
Qualifications
All HLA employees/interns are expected to have the skills to:
- Work both independently and as an effective team member
- Collaborate with and support staff at all levels of our organization
- Communicate clearly and professionally
- Demonstrate empathy and sensitivity while working directly with clients encountering crises
- Maintain confidentiality and, for attorneys, strict adherence to all professional responsibility requirements for the practice of law
- Demonstrate intellectual curiosity and openness, with the desire and ability to listen and learn
- Understand and believe in the mission of the organization
- Embody the values of the organization, including a commitment to decreasing inequity in our health care system and society as a whole
Additional qualifications specific to this position are:
- Completion of 1L or 2L year in law school
- Demonstrated interest in public interest law
- Excellent legal research and writing skills
- Interest in the health care/insurance systems and passion for alleviating barriers to care.
- Multilingual ability is strongly preferred.
Compensation
This position pays $6,000 (pre-tax) for a full-time 10-week Clerkship.
To Apply
Our standard process is for applications to be submitted online at: https://hlainc.efficientapply.com/jobs/ where you will upload a resume and cover letter. A cover letter is required.
If this process is not accessible to you, please contact hr@hla-inc.org or 617-275-2985.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.
HLA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of all identities with regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, veteran status, and many other factors. We celebrate diversity and are committed to building an inclusive work environment where all team members are encouraged to be their authentic and whole selves.