Summer internship application deadline is March 15, 2025, though applications may be considered on a rolling basis.
The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) advances human rights and due process for immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers through direct legal services, impact litigation, advocacy, and public education. Headquartered in Chicago with offices in Washington, DC, Indiana, and San Diego, NIJC’s team of 100 attorneys, paralegals, and professionals, along with 2,000 pro bono attorneys, is at the forefront of immigration reform.
Summary
NIJC seeks summer interns for both law students and undergraduate students interested in gaining hands-on experience with immigration law. Our internships are ideal for individuals passionate about working with immigrant populations and eager to contribute to meaningful legal work. Interns will assist with various tasks related to immigration benefit applications, client interactions, and legal research.
The Indiana office internships are open to law students willing to be located in the Goshen or Indianapolis offices and to undergraduate students to work in the Goshen office.
Law students will conduct legal intakes, complete research projects, and work with clients to complete immigration benefit applications for cases including asylum, family based petitions, victim-based protection, adjustment of status, and DACA. This may include completing written declarations with clients, filling out USCIS forms, and collecting necessary supporting documents. Law students will also have the opportunity to gain legal writing experience through drafting court motions, briefs, and legal memos. Undergraduate students will also have the opportunity to assist with client interviews, prepare benefit applications, complete document translations, and assist with other special projects as needed.
ALL APPLICANTS MUST HAVE THEIR OWN FUNDING OR EARN CLASS CREDIT FOR THIS INTERNSHIP.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Law students will conduct legal intakes, complete research projects, and work with clients to complete immigration benefit applications for cases including asylum, family based petitions, victim-based protection, adjustment of status, and DACA. This may include completing written declarations with clients, filling out USCIS forms, and collecting necessary supporting documents. Law students will also have the opportunity to gain legal writing experience through drafting court motions, briefs, and legal memos.
Undergraduate students will also have the opportunity to assist with client interviews, prepare benefit applications, complete document translations, and assist with other special projects as needed.
Qualifications
For Law Students: Must be currently enrolled in a law school program with a strong interest in immigration law.
For Undergraduate Students: Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate program with an interest in social justice, law, or immigration issues.
- Strong attention to detail, ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
- Bilingual candidates, especially in Spanish are strongly encouraged to apply
Physical Abilities Statement
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time
- The person in this position occasionally needs to move about the inside of the office to access filing cabinets, office machinery, etc.
- Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a copy machine.
It is the policy of NIJC not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status.