You can help us advance racial and economic justice and build a better life for all Mississippians.
Attorneys, law students, and volunteers from an array of personal and professional backgrounds provide crucial support to our work. There are opportunities to help in one of our offices in Jackson, Gulfport, or Indianola.
For more information, email info@mscenterforjustice.org.
Pro Bono Attorneys
The Mississippi Center for Justice relies on a dedicated network of attorneys from a wide range of practice areas to support our legal advocacy work throughout the state. Attorneys who give their time not only improve the lives of people in Mississippi but often find the experience extremely rewarding.
Student Volunteers
The Mississippi Center for Justice is preparing the next generation of attorneys to take up the fight for racial and economic justice. Volunteers play a core role in our work to break down barriers to justice and connect Mississippians to opportunities to build better lives.
We offer internships to law students drawn to public interest work and to highly motivated college students.
“I was inspired to go to law school to gain tools I could use to make changes in my home state of Mississippi. Law school is practical knowledge; at MCJ I learned to put it to use. I want to be in Mississippi long-term. The work will mean the most to me here, where I grew up.”
–Madeline Illes, University of Mississippi School of Law, 2018 Intern
“In just five weeks with MCJ, I worked on issues ranging from disability rights to prisoners’ rights to fair housing… I learn something new every day. Law school teaches you about the theory of law and gives you a foundational understanding of the field, but I have learned most of what I know about the actual practice of law from working with MCJ.”
— Abigail Pershing, Yale Law School, 2018 Intern
Other Opportunities To Get Involved
- Become a Justice Court Navigator: Our Justice Court Access Program helps unrepresented Mississippians navigate small claims court by providing them with direct representation. This program allows law school and college students to serve as Navigators for individuals involved in civil cases.
- Become a Legal Observer: Our team trains Mississippians who want to defend the rights of civil rights protestors to become Legal Observers. Our Legal Observers help monitor demonstrations and document any violations of the rights of demonstrators.
- Become a Fair Housing: Our Fair Housing Testers are community members who act as potential homeowners or renters to gather information and identify unlawful discrimination, ensuring compliance with the Federal Fair Housing Act.
- Share Your Story: We are collecting stories from Mississippians about their experiences navigating our health system, and any barriers they face in accessing care. Your stories help us create meaningful change.
To find out more about MCJ’s work in specific advocacy areas, please visit here.
ATTORNEYS: If you or your law firm have an interest in providing pro bono services to MCJ, email info@mscenterforjustice.org to learn about opportunities.
STUDENTS: To express your interest in an internship, email a resume and cover letter that includes if there are any specific Campaigns you are interested in, to info@mscenterforjustice.org, and include in the subject line of the email: “College/Law Student Interested in (Season) Internship.