POSITION SUMMARY:
HIAS seeks a Legal Intern, New York to assist HIAS’ direct legal services programs which benefit asylum seekers. The intern will conduct research, writing, and draft filings for the immigration court and United States Citizenship & Immigration Services. Through this internship, the intern will learn about United States immigration law, focusing on humanitarian relief, and the practice of law in a nonprofit setting. They will report to the Senior Staff Attorney, and they will work with the in-house Legal and Pro Bono teams.
Note, this is a paid internship with a stipend of $900.00/month. We ask that applicants be available for 15 hours/week for 12 weeks beginning in August/September 2026.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Conducts thorough legal and factual research on topics assigned by HIAS Attorneys.
- Writes memorandums, briefs, and other documents in support of HIAS’ immigration legal cases.
- Develops client declarations and application forms through interviews.
- Assists the legal team in preparation and presentation of asylum claims (affirmative and defensive); special immigrant juvenile cases; U-visa and T-Visa cases.
- Maintains records and contributes to program reports in compliance with any applicable grants or other agreements.
- Assists Pro Bono Attorney teams with client interview and client preparation of asylum claims.
- Reviews, prepares and finalizes applications for client benefits.
QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:
- Current law student (2L or 3L) or recent law graduate.
- Strong interest in asylum law and/or processing, human rights and international law.
- Fluency in Spanish, French and/or Russian strongly preferred.
- Must be resourceful, thorough and analytical in order to develop information and obtain materials relevant to the research requested.
- Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
- Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills required.
Skills Required
- Current law student (2L or 3L) or recent law graduate.
- Strong interest in asylum law, human rights, and international law.
- Fluency in Spanish, French and/or Russian.
- Resourceful, thorough, and analytical research skills.
- Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
- Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
- Availability for 15 hours/week for 12 weeks beginning August/September 2026.
What We Do
HIAS is an international Jewish humanitarian nonprofit organization that provides vital services to refugees, asylum seekers, displaced people, and immigrants worldwide. Drawing on Jewish values and history, the organization works with host communities to help individuals rebuild their lives and advocates for their fundamental rights, striving for a world in which refugees find welcome, safety, and opportunity.
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