Application Guide
How to Apply for Helpline Counsel
at If/When/How: Lawyering for Reproductive Justice
🏢 About If/When/How: Lawyering for Reproductive Justice
If/When/How is a unique legal services and advocacy organization that specifically focuses on reproductive justice through direct legal representation, policy advocacy, and movement building. Unlike traditional law firms, they work at the intersection of law and social justice to defend bodily autonomy and dismantle systemic barriers, making it an ideal workplace for attorneys passionate about impact-driven, movement-oriented legal work.
About This Role
As Helpline Counsel III, you'll provide free, confidential legal services via the Repro Legal Helpline, answering complex questions about reproductive laws across the U.S. and supporting clients in legal emergencies related to pregnancy, abortion, and parenting. This role is impactful because you'll be a frontline resource for people navigating legal confusion and risk in the post-Dobbs landscape, directly advancing reproductive justice through crisis intervention.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day involves responding to helpline inquiries from across the U.S., researching state-specific reproductive laws to provide accurate guidance, documenting client interactions while maintaining strict confidentiality, and collaborating with the legal team on complex cases. You might field calls ranging from basic legal questions to emergency situations requiring immediate intervention, all while staying updated on rapidly evolving legal landscapes.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who If/When/How: Lawyering for Reproductive Justice Is Looking For
- A licensed attorney with experience in reproductive rights, family law, or crisis legal services, comfortable providing remote legal advice across multiple jurisdictions
- Someone deeply committed to reproductive justice principles who can provide compassionate, trauma-informed support to clients in vulnerable situations
- An excellent communicator who can explain complex legal concepts clearly to non-lawyers under time-sensitive conditions
- A self-motivated professional who thrives in a remote work environment and can manage a caseload involving sensitive, high-stakes legal issues
📝 Tips for Applying to If/When/How: Lawyering for Reproductive Justice
Explicitly address your experience with reproductive justice issues in your resume, not just general legal experience
Demonstrate understanding of the post-Dobbs legal landscape by mentioning specific state laws or legal challenges you're familiar with
Highlight any experience with helpline work, crisis intervention, or remote client services
Show familiarity with If/When/How's specific programs beyond just their mission statement
Emphasize your ability to work independently in a remote setting while maintaining client confidentiality and ethical standards
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your personal commitment to reproductive justice and how it aligns with If/When/How's movement-building approach", 'Specific examples of providing legal support in crisis situations or explaining complex laws to vulnerable clients', 'Your ability to navigate the patchwork of state reproductive laws post-Dobbs', 'Why remote legal services appeal to you and how you maintain client connection and confidentiality in virtual settings']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → If/When/How's specific litigation and advocacy campaigns beyond the helpline
- → The organization's network of lawyers and how they collaborate with other reproductive justice organizations
- → Recent legal developments in reproductive rights since Dobbs that would affect helpline callers
- → The Repro Legal Helpline's annual reports or case statistics to understand their scope and impact
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using generic reproductive rights language without demonstrating understanding of reproductive justice as a broader framework
- Focusing only on litigation experience without highlighting client-facing or crisis intervention skills
- Failing to acknowledge the specific challenges of providing legal services in the current post-Dobbs environment
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to If/When/How: Lawyering for Reproductive Justice!