Summer Law Clerk Mental Health Advocacy Program Kids

Summer Law Clerk (Paid) - Mental Health Advocacy Program for Kids

Join to apply for the Summer Law Clerk (Paid) - Mental Health Advocacy Program for Kids role at Health Law Advocates, Inc.

Massachusetts' leading organization advocating for health care justice is hiring Law Clerks for the Summer of 2026.

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 low‑income Massachusetts residents 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 factors such 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.

• 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, and advocate for policy changes by health care institutions to enhance access to care and coverage.

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.

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.

• 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.

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.

• Completion…