At Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada, law students don’t just observe—they practice, advocate, and make a real difference. Our programs offer hands-on experience, close mentorship, and meaningful responsibility serving real clients with real legal needs. Whether you’re exploring public interest law or building practical skills for any career path, these opportunities are designed to prepare you to be an effective, confident lawyer.
Christine Smith Community Service Classes for Law Students
Teach free legal education classes to the public under the supervision of a Legal Aid Center attorney. Students (including 1Ls) prepare and present community workshops on civil legal topics such as eviction sealing, guardianship, family law, and bankruptcy. This hands-on program builds substantive legal knowledge while strengthening public speaking, presentation, and communication skills. Students learn to think on their feet by answering real-world legal questions from attendees. Ideal for students who want to strengthen confidence, courtroom presence, and public-facing advocacy skills early in law school. Time commitment: ~20 hours per semester; students must commit to all class dates for selected class. Participants receive preference for advanced Legal Aid Center opportunities, such as clerkships, fellowships, and supervised practice.
Interested students can sign up to teach a Summer 2026 class by emailing Jim Berchtold,
Spring 2026 Christine Smith Community Service Program Schedule.
Paid Clerkships and Externships for Law Students
Paid summer and part-time positions offering real legal experience across Legal Aid Center’s practice areas. Students are treated as members of the legal team and entrusted with meaningful, client-centered work. Law students draft pleadings, conduct legal research, attend case reviews, and observe hearings as schedules permit. They can also fulfill their supervised practice requirement, allowing students to begin meeting Nevada licensing requirements while still in law school. Opportunities include Consumer Rights, Family Justice, Guardianship, Immigration, Self-Help Centers, the Resiliency and Justice Center, and a legislative externship in Carson City. Minimum: 15 hours/week. Competitive hourly pay and attorney mentorship. Applications now open for Summer 2026.
Interested students can review open positions at www.lacsn.org/careers or contact Jim Berchtold,
Melanie Kushnir Access to Justice Fellowship for Law Students
A 12-week paid summer fellowship focused on access to justice and pro bono innovation. Fellows work with the Pro Bono Project, collaborate across Legal Aid Center departments, and develop projects that expand civil legal access. Professional development includes attending the state bar conference, Access to Justice Commission meetings, and the annual Pro Bono Awards Luncheon. This fellowship is ideal for students who want to understand how legal systems operate—and how to improve them. Applications now open thru February 22, 2026.
Learn more at www.lacsn.org/accessfellowship or contact Jim Berchtold,
Richard L. Brown Children’s Justice Fellowship for Law Students
A 12-week paid summer fellowship for students committed to child advocacy. Fellows play an active role in protecting the rights and well-being of children navigating complex legal systems. Fellows work alongside experienced attorneys representing vulnerable children, gaining hands-on experience with real clients, legal research, trial preparation, and court proceedings. Fellows also attend the National Association of Counsel for Children Annual Conference and the annual Pro Bono Awards Luncheon. Applications now open thru February 22, 2026.
Learn more at www.lacsn.org/childrensfellowshipcareers or contact Jim Berchtold,
Pathways to Supervised Practice for Law Students and Graduates
- A required component of Nevada's comprehensive attorney licensing examination
Fulfill one of the three components of Nevada’s licensing exam while gaining real client experience. Eligible law students are paired with either a Legal Aid Center attorney on an active legal aid case or a private practitioner on a pro bono matter. This program allows students to begin practicing law under supervision while still in school, transforming academic learning into real-world advocacy. Students draft pleadings, interview clients, attend hearings, and develop practical lawyering skills under direct supervision. A powerful option for students planning to practice in Nevada or seeking early, resume-defining legal experience. Supervised practice can be paired with a clerkship or externship opportunity or with Partners in Pro Bono. Applications now being accepted.
Learn more and apply at www.lacsnprobono.org/supervisedpractice or email
Partners in Pro Bono Program for Law Students
Volunteer law students are paired with experienced attorneys on pro bono cases, participating in all stages of representation—from the initial client interview through possible litigation. Case types include family law, civil fraud, child welfare, bankruptcy, and complex appellate matters. Students gain exposure to complex litigation and mentorship relationships that often extend beyond the program’s end. The program begins in September. Student practice is available for those who qualify and may be paired with Pathways to Supervised Practice.
Interested students can contact Associate Dean Lydia Nussbaum,
Community Law Days & Other Volunteer Opportunities for Law Students
Participate in Community Law Days such as record sealing clinics, citizenship clinics, ask-a-lawyer programs, and alternatives-to-guardianship events. Students may also earn pro bono hours through special events and attorney-supervised volunteer work. These opportunities offer a flexible, impactful way to serve the community while building professional connections and pro bono experience.
Contact Christine Smith,
Volunteer Education Advocate Program for Law Students & Graduates
Advocate for children with disabilities in foster care by helping ensure their educational needs are met. Volunteers receive training and support to participate in school meetings and the IEP process while working with Legal Aid Center staff. This role is especially meaningful for students interested in disability rights, education law, or child advocacy.
Interested students can contact Ilka Fisher at
Early Hire Pipeline to Justice Program
Full Time Post-Graduate Employment
An early hire pathway for 3Ls and judicial clerks launching public interest careers. After law school or clerkship, graduates begin as full-time advocates serving clients across core civil legal areas while receiving mentorship and professional support. Includes paid time off to complete Nevada licensing requirements and fee reimbursement. Designed for graduates who want to start their legal careers with purpose, responsibility, and long-term growth. Applications now being accepted.
Learn more at www.lacsn.org/pipeline and apply at www.lacsn.org/careers.
Paul S. Padda Community Justice Fellowship
Full Time Post-Graduate Fellowship
A one-year fellowship for new lawyers and recent judicial clerks providing intensive training across Legal Aid Center practice areas. Fellows manage cases, interview clients, and rotate through multiple units to build a strong foundation in civil legal advocacy. Full-time employment with competitive salary and benefits may follow the fellowship year. This fellowship is a launching pad for lawyers committed to long-term public interest practice. Applications open September 2026.
Learn more at https://www.lacsn.org/communityfellowship and apply at www.lacsn.org/careers.
