Legal Internship, Immigration Impact LAB

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Maryland, +2 more states.

📋 Description

• Support staff in representing immigrants in appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals and U.S. Courts of Appeal.

• Assist with class action lawsuits, amicus briefs, Freedom of Information Act complaints, and habeas petitions in federal district courts and U.S. Courts of Appeal.

• Evaluate new referrals.

• Perform legal research.

• Draft memoranda.

• Contribute to amicus and merits briefs.

• Aid in drafting habeas petitions to obtain the release of immigrant adults from detention.

• Prepare habeas cases for referral to pro bono partners.

• Conduct phone interviews with clients who are in detention.

• Gather evidence.

• Collaborate with community advocacy organizations.

• Assist with FOIA requests and related complaints.

• Investigate the applicability of FOIA exemptions.

• Monitor and evaluate FOIA production.

• Help create website resources, facilitate trainings, and draft practice advisories.

• Develop crimmigration case analyses for criminal defense attorneys in Virginia and Maryland.

• Create public resources for access on the website and by request.

⛳️ Requirements

• Must be a second- or third-year law student at a U.S. ABA-accredited law school.

• Evening students are encouraged to apply.

• Must be able to commit to at least 15 hours per week for 14 weeks.

• Strong skills in legal research, communication, and writing are essential.

• Excellent organizational and time-management abilities are required.

• Must be willing to work efficiently and collaboratively with a team.

• Interest and experience in immigration law, immigrants’ rights, social justice, or advocacy are preferred.

• Comfort and competency in working with adults and children from low socio-economic backgrounds, including those with histories of trauma and prior interactions with the criminal justice system.

• Fluency in Spanish is preferred but not mandatory.

• Proficiency in French, Portuguese, or Arabic is welcomed.

• A laptop or computer is required.

• Reliable internet access is a must.

• A phone is necessary.

• A cover letter, resume, at least two references, and one writing sample are required for the application.

• Experience in community organizing or political lobbying is advantageous but not essential.

🏝️ Benefits

• Internships are unpaid.

• The Amica Center can assist students looking for internship credit.

• Limited small scholarship stipends are available through a separate application process.

• Fully remote internship options are offered.

• There is no requirement for in-person work.

• Opportunities exist for in-office work, in-person meetings, events, and observing court in person for interns who can access Washington, D.C.

• The Amica Center may be able to provide access to a temporary laptop as needed.