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 unique as a legal services and advocacy organization specifically focused on reproductive justice, operating at the intersection of direct client services, legal advocacy, and movement building. Unlike traditional law firms, they work to reshape laws while providing immediate support to people in crisis through their Repro Legal Helpline, creating a future where reproductive decisions are made without barriers, coercion, or punishment.
About This Role
As Helpline Counsel III, you'll provide free, confidential legal services to individuals nationwide who have questions about reproductive laws or face legal emergencies related to pregnancy, birth, abortion, or parenting. This role is impactful because you'll directly support vulnerable people navigating complex legal landscapes post-Dobbs, offering both information and brief civil legal services during critical moments in their lives.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day involves responding to helpline inquiries from individuals across the U.S. seeking legal information about reproductive rights, providing brief civil legal services, and supporting people in legal emergencies related to pregnancy or abortion. You'll research evolving state laws, document cases while maintaining strict confidentiality, and potentially collaborate with If/When/How's advocacy team on systemic issues emerging from helpline patterns.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who If/When/How: Lawyering for Reproductive Justice Is Looking For
- A licensed attorney with experience in reproductive rights, family law, or civil legal services, particularly with vulnerable populations
- Someone who can explain complex legal concepts compassionately to non-lawyers in crisis situations
- A professional comfortable working remotely while maintaining confidentiality and handling emotionally charged cases
- An advocate deeply committed to reproductive justice who understands the current post-Dobbs legal landscape across multiple states
📝 Tips for Applying to If/When/How: Lawyering for Reproductive Justice
Explicitly mention your bar admission status and any multi-state practice experience, as this is a remote role serving clients nationwide
Highlight any experience with crisis hotlines, helplines, or direct client services in reproductive health contexts
Demonstrate your understanding of the current patchwork of state laws post-Dobbs by referencing specific legal developments
Show how you've previously balanced direct service with systemic advocacy work in reproductive justice
Include examples of working with marginalized communities and your approach to trauma-informed legal practice
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your personal commitment to reproductive justice and how it aligns with If/When/How's mission to create a future without coercion or punishment", 'Specific examples of providing legal information or services to people in crisis, particularly around reproductive matters', 'Your ability to navigate complex, evolving legal landscapes and explain them accessibly to non-lawyers', 'Experience working remotely while maintaining client confidentiality and managing emotionally demanding cases']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → The specific services offered through the Repro Legal Helpline and recent cases they've highlighted
- → If/When/How's recent litigation and advocacy work, particularly post-Dobbs initiatives
- → The organization's network-building efforts with lawyers working for reproductive justice
- → Current state-by-state legal landscapes for reproductive rights that helpline callers would be navigating
💬 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 the reproductive justice framework that centers marginalized communities
- Failing to acknowledge the emotional demands of helpline work with people in crisis situations
- Not showing familiarity with the current legal landscape post-Dobbs or the patchwork of state laws
📅 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!