Description
Legal Aid DC, a nonprofit organization with an approximately $18 million annual budget and a staff of approximately 130 employees, is seeking a spring intern to join our Reentry Justice Project.
Since 1932, Legal Aid has provided civil legal assistance to clients in individual cases and engaged in systemic reform. Currently, we provide individual representation in consumer law, domestic violence/family law, housing, public benefits, and immigration matters. We also help people with the collateral consequences of their involvement with the criminal justice system. From the experiences of our clients, we identify opportunities for law reform, public policy advocacy, and systemic impact and appellate litigation. Legal Aid also administers the DC Resource Bridge, a single access point for legal services in the District.
Legal Aid believes that meaningful pursuit of our anti-poverty mission requires an unwavering commitment to racial justice and equity. We aspire both to reflect the rich racial diversity of the communities we serve and to value, respect, and empower our staff and clients to be effective agents of change. For more information about Legal Aid please visit our website, www.LegalAidDC.org.
Our work is supported through public and private grants and private fundraising from individuals, law firms, and other contributors.
This internship is for Spring 2027 and will be 12 weeks in duration. Interns at Legal Aid DC have the unique opportunity to receive substantive assignments that will have an immediate impact on our clients. Legal Aid will help Spring semester interns receive course credit for their internships. Interns work out of Legal Aid’s offices in NW DC, with the option to perform some work remotely if approved by their supervisor. The position will require some in-person office presence with a minimum of 12, though ideally, 16 hours per week.
The spring term is January 8, 2027-April 2, 2027.
The intern will work under an assigned mentor within the Immigration Unit, with supervision to be provided by a Senior Immigration Attorney.
Responsibilities
- Legal Research: Conduct in-depth legal research on a wide range of issues relevant to immigration law, with a focus on humanitarian relief such as asylum, the U & T visas, special immigrant juvenile status, TPS and DACA.
- Case Support: Assist attorneys with case development, including drafting legal briefs and pleadings, conducting country conditions research and obtaining primary evidence.
- Document Review: Review and analyze case-related documents, statutes, regulations, and precedent to support legal arguments and strategies.
- Client Interaction: Interact with clients, witnesses, and experts to gather information, draft declarations and assist in immigration form filling.
- Courtroom Support: Attend court hearings or USCIS interviews to observe and assist attorneys as appropriate.
- Administrative Tasks: Provide administrative support including organizing case files, scheduling meetings, and managing correspondence.
- Collaboration: Collaborate with other interns, attorneys, and advocacy organizations to support collective efforts in advancing social justice and systemic change.
Scholarship Funding
Interns will receive a scholarship of up to $2,650 for the 12 week internship. Interns will not receive scholarship funding if they receive outside funding for their internship or they are interning through a school program that precludes them from being paid.
To Apply
Legal Aid values an inclusive, diverse workplace and encourages applications from interested persons from diverse backgrounds of any race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, personal appearance, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.
We strongly encourage applications from people with personal experience with the criminal justice system and/or with lived experiences in the communities we serve.
Submit your application, cover letter, resume, writing sample and transcript or letter of matriculation?here. Applications will be accepted until 5pm EST on November 23, 2027.
Requirements
Current law school student or graduate interested in public interest and immigration law.
Skills Required
- Current law school student or law school graduate
- Interest in public interest law and immigration law
- Availability for the Spring 2027 term from January 8, 2027 through April 2, 2027
- Ability to work at least 12 hours per week, ideally 16 hours per week
- Ability to work some hours in person at the Legal Aid DC office in NW Washington, DC
- Cover letter, resume, writing sample, and transcript or letter of matriculation
What We Do
Legal Aid DC (the Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia) is the District's oldest and largest general civil legal services organization. Since 1932, it has provided free legal advice and representation to low-income residents in Washington, D.C. The organization focuses on critical issues including housing, domestic violence and family law, public benefits, consumer law, and immigration to ensure equal access to justice.
