Wardenski P.C. is a New York City-based civil rights law firm that represents plaintiffs in civil rights cases around the country, is seeking applications from New York City-area law students for a part-time (12-15 hours/week) law clerk position for the Spring 2025 semester.

About Wardenski P.C.

Wardenski P.C., founded in 2021 by civil rights attorney Joseph Wardenski, is dedicated to combating discrimination in education, housing, and health care, with a significant focus on the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. The firm has also worked on several major voting rights cases. We routinely partner with national civil rights organizations and other plaintiff-side firms to represent individuals and organizations challenging unlawful discrimination, primarily in federal court. In addition to our litigation practice, we provide strategic legal advice and consulting services to nonprofit organizations that share our commitment to civil rights and equality.

Wardenski P.C.’s current litigation docket includes the following cases:

• Doe v. State of South Carolina (D.S.C.) (putative class action lawsuit challenging South Carolina law banning transgender students from using gender-appropriate restrooms in public schools as violating Title IX and the Fourteenth Amendment)

• Gordon v. Aetna Life Insurance Company (D. Conn.) (putative class action lawsuit challenging health insurer’s categorical coverage exclusion on gender-affirming facial surgeries for transfeminine plan holders)

• Doe v. Elkhorn Area School District (E.D. Wis.) (lawsuit against Wisconsin school district for denying transgender middle school student access to girls’ single-sex facilities at school)

• United States v. AION Management (D. Del.) (Fair Housing Act case challenging multi-state rental property management company’s policy of refusing to provide assigned parking as a reasonable accommodation to tenants with physical disabilities)

Other examples of the firm’s recent work and accomplishments are available on our website at https://www.wardenskilaw.com/news.

Position Description

The part-time spring law clerk will work closely with the firm’s founder and other attorneys on active litigation matters and case development. We welcome applications from law students with a sincere interest in pursuing a career in civil rights law and advocacy, particularly those with a demonstrated commitment to, and relevant experience with, one or more of the firm’s core issue areas: LGBTQ+ equality, students’ rights, fair housing, and health equity. The spring law clerk will support all aspects of our active litigation and case development work. The law clerk’s responsibilities will include conducting legal and factual research, conducting client intake interviews, proofreading and cite-checking briefs and pleadings, and assisting with discovery in active cases. Candidates must have excellent legal research, writing, editing, and communication skills. The firm welcomes applications from current second- and third-year law students (or the equivalent in part-time programs).

Work Schedule and Location

The spring law clerk will work 12-15 hours per week from January to April 2025, with flexible scheduling to accommodate class schedules, breaks, and exams. This is an in-person position at the firm's office, which is located on West 29th Street between Sixth and Seventh Avenues in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan. The office is a short walk to many subway lines and Penn Station.

Compensation

Compensation will be $25/hour. The firm will consider requests from law students who wish to obtain academic credit in lieu of compensation. If you are eligible for law school funding, work-study funding, or academic credit, please note that in your cover letter.

Application Instructions

To apply, please send an email with the subject line “Spring 2025 Spring Law Clerk Application” to hiring@wardenskilaw.com, attaching the following materials as separate attachments to your email (preferably in PDF format):

• A one-page cover letter describing why you are interested in a pursuing a career as a civil rights attorney, highlighting your specific interests and relevant professional, academic, or personal experiences (if any) in the firm and one or more of the firm’s core issue areas (LGBTQ+ equality, students’ rights, fair housing, and health equity);

• Your current résumé (maximum of two pages);

• A list of 2-3 references academic and professional references familiar (preferably at least one from a former employer and one from someone familiar with your research and writing skills);

• A 5-10 page writing sample (2L applicants should submit a legal writing sample); and

• Your current law school transcript (unofficial is fine).

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

Nondiscrimination Policy

Wardenski P.C. is an equal opportunity employer. The firm does not discriminate in hiring or employment on any basis protected by New York City, New York State, or federal law, including but not limited to race, color, national origin, sex/gender (including sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy and related medical conditions, and childbirth and related medical conditions), disability, religion/creed, disability, immigration or citizenship status, or status as a veteran or active military service member. If you are a person with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation during the application process, email hiring@wardenskilaw.com or call (347) 227-2500.

Wardenski P.C. values diverse, inclusive workplaces and will give equal consideration to all applicants. The firm encourages applications from people of color, indigenous people, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, people with nontraditional educational backgrounds (including first-generation law students), and people from other backgrounds underrepresented in the legal profession.