Description:

The Aoki Water Justice Clinic Fellowship permits one Fellow to spend one year in residence working with the Aoki Water Justice Clinic. The Aoki Water Justice Clinic partners with community organizations and drinking water systems to redress current failures in the provision of safe drinking water throughout rural California. The Clinic utilizes transactional legal tools as well as administrative and policy advocacy to remove the structural and financial barriers that limit low-income Californians' access to clean, safe, affordable drinking water.

Job Summary:
Under the direction of the Director of the Aoki Water Justice Clinic and its faculty affiliates, the Aoki Water Justice Clinic Fellow will advise clients on potential governance structures, funding options, rate policies, and regulatory compliance for their water systems; design and present community education trainings; draft local government consolidation proposals, land contracts, bylaws, and asset transfer agreements; evaluate the financial viability and tax base for water systems; research and draft comment letters to administrative agencies and local governments on issues affecting drinking water; develop and implement media strategies to raise awareness; train pro bono attorneys; and provide technical assistance to communities that seek funding for capital improvement projects that impact drinking water infrastructure.

Physical Demands:
  • Prolonged sitting and use of keyboard.
  • Lift up to 25 pounds

Work Environment:
Travel required: A valid California driver's license is needed to participate in off-site events and to attend meetings.
The Smoke and Tobacco Free Environment policy is intended to provide a healthier, safer, and more productive work and learning environment for the entire UC community. A Public Research University and Land-Grant University prohibits smoking and tobacco use at all University owned or leased properties, or facilities operated by UC staff or faculty. Smoking and tobacco use are strictly prohibited in indoor and outdoor spaces, parking lots, residential space, and University vehicles. https://ucdavispolicy.ellucid.com/documents/view/271

Minimum Qualifications:
Minimum License/Certification:
Candidates must either apply for admission to the California bar by registering to take the July 2024 bar exam, or be currently admitted to the California bar.

Minimum Education/Experience:
  • JD Degree required.
  • Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):
  • Demonstrated commitment to public interest law.
  • Commitment to working and teaching in a multicultural environment.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Demonstrated ability in legal research and writing; strong organizational and planning skills.

Preferred Qualifications:
Preferred Education/Experience:
  • Experience in community-based advocacy, community organizing, teaching, or rural legal services.
  • Experience in environmental law or transactional law.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):
Fluency in Spanish.

Special Requirements:
Background Check:
This position is a critical position and subject to a background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background investigation including criminal history and identity checks.