Project Assistant Intern - Law

Our Mission

The Lincoln Institute of Land Policy seeks to improve quality of life through the effective use, taxation, and stewardship of land. A nonprofit private operating foundation whose origins date to 1946, the Lincoln Institute researches and recommends creative approaches to land as a solution to economic, social, and environmental challenges. Through education, training, publications, and events, we integrate theory and practice to inform public policy decisions worldwide. With locations in Cambridge, Massachusetts; Washington, DC; Phoenix; and Beijing, we organize our work around six goals: low-carbon, climate-resilient communities and regions; efficient and equitable tax systems; reduced poverty and spatial inequality; fiscally healthy communities and regions; sustainably managed land and water resources; and functional land markets and reduced informality. 

Affordable Housing at the Lincoln Institute

Lincoln Institute’s affordable housing effort is designed to address systemic failures in national housing policies, lending practices, and land policies that are responsible for growing income and wealth inequality across the U.S. The blatant racial and ethnic discrimination that was built into local, state, and federal housing programs and practices generated unacceptable housing outcomes for people of color that are experienced today not only in wealth disparities, but in social, educational and health differences that result in life expectancy differentials measured in decades.

A home is more than shelter, it should be a source of household stability, a means to which to access opportunities— both economic and social. With a shortage of upwards to 5 million units, today’s challenge is how to meet the growing demand for affordable and safe houses that are more than homes. Unfortunately, historic redlining and systemic barriers to credit and investment have an outsized negative impact on the ability of BIPOC communities and communities in rural areas to attract investment and ensure residents have an equal chance to access the American dream. The Lincoln Institute of Land Policy (“Lincoln”) convenes 2 networks focused on increasing new housing and preserving existing stock; and expanding the credit box to increase sustainable homeownership. This position will support these projects: the Underserved Mortgage Markets Coalition (UMMC) and the Innovations in Manufactured Housing (I’m HOME).

The UMMC combines 37 of the leading U.S. affordable housing advocacy organizations to urge the U.S. Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to require Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to improve their performance in serving families that cannot access traditional mortgage markets.  The I’m HOME network envisions broader adoption of manufactured homes as a cost-effective, energy-efficient, and wealth-building affordable homeownership asset that significantly contributes to addressing the nation’s growing affordable housing crisis in both rural and urban areas. The network also strengthens tenant security in healthy and socially vibrant communities.

Position Overview

The Lincoln Institute of Land Policy is looking for a law student to join the Federal Affordable Housing team, splitting time between the UMMC and I’m HOME projects.

As a member of this team, you will complete a wide range of independent and directed research activities; support convenings and activities; and provide administrative support for both networks. 

This internship is a part-time at 20 hours/week position scheduled to end in December 2024 that pending performance and project needs may extend into the spring semester as a temporary internship at 20 hours/week position through May 5, 2025. This is a paid Internship located remotely.

The intern will report to the Associate Director, UMMC and I’m HOME.

This is a paid Internship located remotely.

What You’ll Do

• Tasks specific to I’m Home include: (a) Conducting research and developing state-level policy fact sheets on the existing legal and regulatory landscape for manufactured housing as well as on pending manufactured housing bills in state legislatures. These tasks will require familiarity with Westlaw and/or LexisNexis. (b) Help develop the network by working with manufactured homeowners and other stakeholders at the local level; and (c) Help develop the network by working with manufactured homeowners and other stakeholders at the local level and tasks related to the I’m Home annual conference in September 2024.
• Tasks specific to the UMMC include: (a) Research topics of interest to the UMMC such as how Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac can enhance their support to underserved mortgage markets including borrowers of color, manufactured housing, rural housing, and affordable housing preservation and infrastructure; and a wide range of other emergent, priority research areas. (b) Help maintain our Impact Tracking Tool and take the lead on building it out to include Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s new Equitable Housing Finance plans. (c) Coordinate the UMMC to help it achieve more from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s required strategic planning efforts.
• Help to write for a variety of audiences and contexts, including case studies, memos and white papers, meeting agendas and materials, web content, and social media posts.
• Plan event content, draft event materials, and coordinate with speakers and the Events team
• Work with other internal teams to advance the work of UMMC and I’m Home.
• Be a main point of contact for the general public, addressing inquiries, and directing them appropriately.
• Provide administrative support to both initiatives, including scheduling of meetings of networks/communities of practice, managing contracts as needed, and other administrative support tasks.
• Assist with other activities as requested.

What You’ll Need

• Currently pursuing a law-degree, preference for second- and third- year law students, though first-year law students, will be considered based on experience. Applicant should have a distinct interest in affordable housing, community development or planning.
• People from marginalized communities or who may have personally experienced affordable housing discrimination or know people who have, are particularly encouraged to apply.
• Professional written and communication skills
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to independently problem solve.
• Communication and coalition building skills with an ability to work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
• Professional and positive attitude.

Compensation Overview

The hourly market range for this role is $25 depending on level of education and years of experience.

Application Process

Please submit a cover letter and resume. The cover letter should succinctly describe your interest to join the team; why you are qualified; and what relevant expertise and experience you offer. 

Our Values

We support a culture of forthright feedback, initiative, cooperation and teamwork, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and accepting responsibility.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Lincoln Institute of Land Policy is dedicated to creating an inclusive work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Individuals seeking employment at the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy are considered without regards to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), ancestry, citizenship status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision

Lincoln Institute of Land Policy will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Non-Smoking Organization

Lincoln Institute of Land Policy is a Non-Smoking organization. Smoking and the use of tobacco products are prohibited at all times and on all property owned, leased, or under the control of Lincoln Institute of Land Policy at all times, including, but not limited to indoor and outdoor grounds, walkways and sidewalks, parking lots, company vehicles, and private vehicles parked on Lincoln Institute of Land Policy property.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.