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. Spring interns should expect to work at least 12 hours per week.
The spring term is January 8, 2027-April 2, 2027.
Legal Aid DC’s Reentry Justice Project is dedicated to assisting clients facing barriers in accessing housing, employment, and other civil rights and opportunities as a result of having a criminal record. We provide representation to clients in areas including criminal record sealing, housing and employment denials based on criminal history, and challenges to other collateral consequences arising within our civil legal practice areas. We also advocate for policy changes before the D.C. Council, administrative agencies, and other legislative and regulatory bodies.
Responsibilities
- Conduct criminal case searches for record sealing applicants to determine the extent of their record and to assess what is eligible for sealing relief.
- Under the guidance of supervisors, meet with and interview clients to learn their story and develop the necessary facts for motions to seal their criminal records.
- Assist attorneys in requesting and obtaining clients' police and court records.
- Under the guidance of supervisors, draft motions to seal criminal records.
- Attend Reentry project meetings, skills workshops, Legal Aid staff meetings.
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 or reentry justice.
Skills Required
- Current law school student or graduate
- Interest in public interest and/or reentry justice
- Submit a 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.
