Current Opportunities

Semester requirement: 1
Credits: 3

SITE DESCRIPTION

The Truancy Intervention Project (TIP) was developed in 1991 by former Juvenile Court Judge Glenda Hatchett and Terry Walsh, then President of the Atlanta Bar Association. Its objective is to provide early, positive intervention with children reported as truants. Volunteers work one-on-one with children, as advocates both in and out of the courtroom and as role models to children on the brink of school failure.

Under the direct supervision of TIP’s Staff Attorney, externs will serve as legal counsel on truancy cases and have two major roles:

1) To represent the child as both lawyer and guardian ad litem in truancy proceedings in the Fulton County Juvenile Court; and

2) To be a role model and advocate for the child; to assist the family in identifying and utilizing community resources; to advocate for the child in matters related to school attendance.

After attending the initial TIP training seminar, the extern will spend the first three to four weeks observing court proceedings and assisting with family and client interviews alongside the staff attorney. The extern will then begin to interview clients and other parties to the proceeding as well as present cases before the court.

STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS

Prerequisites: None

Preferences: 

• Third-year students, but second-year students may apply
• Eligibility to be sworn in under the Third Year Practice Act, which requires that a student (1) be in good academic standing (at least 2.3 G.P.A.), (2) have earned at least two thirds (58 hours) of the J.D. requirements in not fewer than four semesters or six quarters of residence, and (3) be of good moral character

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Students MUST have Wednesday mornings and/or afternoons available.