The Reproductive Justice Project advocates for bodily autonomy and the right to choose whether and under what circumstances people have and raise children by supporting reproductive rights groups around the globe. RJP is one of Berkeley Law’s leading research-focused SLPs.
This year, RJP will be partnering with several leading reproductive justice organizations. With the continuing state and national attacks on abortion rights and access, we will be assisting organizations that are committed to protecting people’s right and ability to choose. RJP members will have the opportunity to provide key legal research for our partners. That research may involve issues happening right now or more long-term background research. Once accepted into SLP, students will have the opportunity to rank their preferences for which organization and which project they want to work on. Due to the sensitive nature of RJP’s partner organizations’ work, some of the research conducted may be confidential.
Most projects take the form of proactive policy or education work on the national or state-level. One of our partners focuses predominantly on reproductive justice issues in California, while three conduct broader research.
On occasion, there may be opportunities to work on litigation as well. Regardless of the topic, students will engage in research related to policy initiatives, cases, existing regulations, and real-world impacts. Depending on each partner organization’s needs, students will create deliverables such as research spreadsheets, policy recommendations, memoranda, and/or briefs.
If you’re looking to strengthen your legal research skills, work with truly amazing lawyers who are leaders in the reproductive rights movement, and help fight back against the onslaught against women and reproductive freedom, we think this is your SLP!
Supervision: Students in the Reproductive Justice Project will receive training and supervision from attorneys associated with their individual research projects.
Time Commitment: 30 hours a semester with biweekly 15-minute check-ins with supervising attorneys (can be waived for some projects)
For more information, please contact the student leaders at reproductivejusticeproject@berkeley.edu.