Law professor and well-known blogger, Eugene Volokh, has just dinged his brand. At least with those of us who believe in the nobility of work and that it should be paid for.
In addition, as an unintended side effect of his odd behavior, Volokh might have also created a tipping point in a global controversy. That is the one focused on unpaid labor.
Joe Patrice explains this seminal situation on Abovethelaw.com. Following is the short version.
In an email to the Classes of 2016 and 2o17, reports Patrice, Volokh requested fast fast turnaround help with an amicus brief. It is for a First Amendment appeal in Massachusetts. But, notes Patrice, "he's offering no money or class credit." You read accurately. Not even class credit. The reason he himself can't attend to this task properly is because of his own travel plans. Here Patrice provides a copy of Volokh's complete email.
As many know, what might be labeled "The Intern Issue" has taken the form of lawsuits. The plaintiffs have won. Most recently, Viacom has agreed to pay $7.2 million to about 1,000 interns and their lawyers.
Yet, the request for free labor continues. Help wanted ads in Craigslist, for example, are full of demands for high-caliber performance, with no paid compensation. There's more. Weekly I receive in email pleas from wannabe digital writers around the globe to intern for free on my communications site. Yes, they are coming to me. I am not advertising for them. No, I have not accepted the offers.
It's time that thought leadership provides feedback on both the solicitation for free help and the unsolicited offer to provide it. You bet, it should be an issue in Campaign 2016.
Even in the first Industrial Revolution, as a young boy Charles Dickens was paid for his labor in the bootblack factory. The thought leadership initiative could be called "The Dickens Project." Part of it would be to devise appropriate punishments for miscreants who abuse those a bit too hungry for experience.
When I was a young law student I would have given my right arm to have an opportunity to write an Amicus brief for someone as respected and revered as Eugene Volokh. What a terrific opportunity to enhance my resume. There is no abuse here unless the brief writers are compelled to work for Mr. Volokh.
Posted by: Peter Pappas | May 31, 2015 at 07:18 AM