TransformativeJustice

The crisis of mass incarceration of our youth and emerging adults (17-24) demands that we work now to transform the way our current criminal legal system responds to them. LSJA’s Transformative Justice model works to implement solutions that change the way the current criminal legal system and community thinks about and responds to the behaviors of youth and emerging adults. We do this by assessing current justice system processes and procedures and implementing innovative solutions to shift from a punitive and retributive system to one that focuses on the underlying unmet needs that drive system involvement.

JustCareers

LSJA’s community-based, flagship workforce diversion program for 18–24-year-olds, developed in partnership with the Texas Department of Transportation. This innovative “earn to learn” program – the first of its kind – provides participants 12 weeks of full-time training, 3 days a week of classroom learning, and 2 days a week at an internship with a local employer, ultimately earning a heavy equipment certification and entering full time employment after graduation.

Diversion Programs

into the community

Williamson County Transformative Justice Program (Formerly RISE)

LSJA partnered with Williamson County’s District Attorney Shawn Dick, Hon. Stacey Mathews, and the Chief of Juvenile Services, Scott Matthew, to launch the RISE Program (now Transformative Justice of Williamson County). The program is Williamson County’s first felony alternative to incarceration.

This program relied upon LSJA’s transformative justice model to serve the needs of justice-involved emerging adults in the community.

Dallas County Second Chance Community Improvement Program (SCCIP)

LSJA partnered with the Dallas County Public Defender’s Office to implement our transformative justice model in the Dallas County Second Chance Community Improvement Program (SCCIP). Over two years, LSJA trained Dallas County employees, staff and contractors in evidence-based practices to better serve justice-involved emerging adults.

LSJA designed the framework for a randomized control trial to evaluate the results of the shift to a public health, community-focused intervention strategy.

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

The Lone Star Justice Alliance (LSJA) is seeking interns in its Dallas and Austin offices for Summer 2024. LSJA is a nonprofit legal organization that improves the lives of youth and emerging adults in the justice system. We envision a justice system that uses developmentally-appropriate responses to behavior and treats youth and emerging adults with equity and dignity to promote resilience, conserve costs, and increase public safety.

YOUTH SENTENCING PROJECT

LSJA represents a number of individuals currently serving life or other extreme sentences for offenses that occurred during their youth. We are presently seeking interns to assist with factual and record investigation in these matters. Current law students are encouraged to apply. Intern responsibilities are likely to include record collection and review, interviewing of the client’s social network, correspondence with the client, drafting of memorandum and declarations, and potentially correspondence and collaboration with expert witnesses. Interns will be involved in strategic decision-making concerning the framing of litigation and will have access and input regarding any court filings and proceedings. The position is unpaid but there is a possibility of future employment. 

Duties: 

  • Client record collection (juvenile, child protective services, school, criminal, other) and review; 
  • Client and fact witness interviewing and memo writing; 
  • Regular client correspondence; 
  • Participation in strategic case discussions and decision-making. 

Qualifications: 

  • Demonstrated commitment to social justice; 
  • Strong organizational skills; 
  • Strong interpersonal skills (experience interviewing is a plus); 
  • Strong writing and communication skills. 

Please submit cover letter and CV to internships@lsja.org 

Supervisor: Elizabeth Henneke

CLEMENCY PROJECT

LSJA seeks interns to work on representing survivors of sex trafficking and intimate partner violence in clemency applications. This project will capitalize on the 2020 application established by Governor Abbott as a result of LSJA’s advocacy. The project entails identifying potential applicants and pro bono partners to submit a high volume of meritorious applications, as well as follow-up data collection and reporting to raise awareness about underlying issues. Interns will assist in all aspects of the project, from correspondence and review of records for potential applicants, to communication with pro bono organizations and practitioners, to preparation and review of application materials, to data collection/review and drafting of report sections. This is an exciting and rare opportunity to be part of a new initiative that stands to bring hope and redemption to a large number of people. Current law students may apply. The position is unpaid, but future employment is a possibility. 

Duties: 

  • Drafting and review of correspondence materials; 
  • Record collection and review; 
  • Participation in strategic conferences with partners; 
  • Communication with coalition and pro bono partners; 
  • Data collection/review; 
  • Possible report drafting; 
  • Client file maintenance (Clio). 

Qualifications: 

  • Demonstrated commitment to public interest work; 
  • Background in issues pertaining to sex trafficking, domestic violence, or other forms of trauma a plus; 
  • Strong interpersonal skills; 
  • Strong organizational and communication skills; 
  • Ability to coordinate multiple aspects of a complex project involving many and varied personnel; 
  • Ability to review and compile data/familiarity with statistical analysis. 

Please submit cover letter and CV to internships@lsja.org 

Supervisor: Elizabeth Henneke

IMPACT LITIGATION

LSJA is seeking interns to assist the organization in conducting impact litigation. Interns will help to file lawsuits intended to change the laws and policies that affect incarcerated youth in Texas. Interns will conduct legal research, draft briefs, and speak with clients. Goals include (1) improving the conditions of confinement for children, (2) lowering the number of children in confinement, (3) moving children in confinement closer to home, and more. This is an exciting and rare opportunity to be part of a new initiative that stands to bring hope to a large number of people. Current law students may apply. The position is unpaid, but future employment is a possibility. 

Duties: 

  • Research on incarcerate settings and civil rights violations; 
  • Data collection/review; 
  • Possible report and document drafting; 
  • File maintenance (Clio). 

Qualifications: 

  • Demonstrated commitment to public interest work; 
  • Background in issues pertaining to civil rights in incarcerate settings; 
  • Strong interpersonal skills; 
  • Strong organizational and communication skills; 
  • Ability to coordinate multiple aspects of a complex project involving many and varied personnel; 
  • Ability to review and compile data/familiarity with statistical analysis. 

Please submit cover letter and CV to internships@lsja.org 

Supervisor: Elizabeth Henneke