About Wardenski P.C.

Wardenski P.C. is a New York City-based civil rights law firm that represents plaintiffs in civil rights cases around the country. The firm, 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 summer 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 summer law clerk will be a full member of the firm’s legal team and will support all aspects of our active litigation and case development work. The summer law clerk’s responsibilities will vary, but may include conducting legal research; drafting and editing pleadings, briefs, and memos; proofreading and cite-checking legal documents; participating in settlement negotiations; assisting with discovery and deposition preparations; preparing for court proceedings; and assisting with case investigation and development. Candidates must have excellent legal research, writing, editing, and communication skills.

Work Schedule and Location

We will consider applicants for both full-time and part-time positions, with a minimum commitment of 20 hours per week for 10-12 weeks starting on or about May 27, 2025. This is an in-person position, although other work arrangements will be considered on a case-by-case basis. All employees are permitted to work remotely on Fridays. The firm's office 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. This position may be eligible for summer public interest funding or work-study funding from some law schools. 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 “Summer 2025 Summer 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) (for 2L applicants only).

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.