Fall 2024 - Legal Intern, Advocacy & Partnerships

The Legal Intern will provide a wide range of support for our ongoing projects, including support for Vera California’s work on No on proposition No 36 at the state legislature. The Legal Intern will be supervised primarily by the Vice President of Advocacy & Partnerships and will complete a variety of projects with other staff. This internship will provide an opportunity for the intern to gain knowledge and experience in research, writing, advocacy, local and state government relations, and criminal legal systems nationally and in California. This position is open to a student currently enrolled in law school or post-graduate policy program in which an internship will fulfill an academic credit or course/graduation requirement.

What you'll do:

Research and analysis

• Conduct legal research and writing
• Review, organize, and analyze public records and news articles
• Conduct legal research and writing for a criminal justice policy agenda for incoming mayors, governors, and members of Congress.

Partnership support

• Meet with or conduct calls with local government agencies and advocates to better understand implementation of local policies.

Advocacy

• Draft memo’s, fact sheets and advocacy related to the state legislature in California
• Draft policy memos and recommended agendas for incoming mayor, governors, and members of Congress

Other ad-hoc duties as needed

What qualifications are we looking for?

• Currently enrolled in law school or post-graduate policy program in which an internship will fulfill an academic credit or course/graduation requirement
• Interest in a nonprofit career, particularly in policy reform and advocacy
• Ability to show initiative, ask questions, and adapt to changing priorities
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills
• A demonstrated ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or similar software
• Proficient in government research

Please note this role will report to our Brooklyn, NY office. Vera interns and employees adhere to a hybrid schedule and are in-office on an alternating schedule. Full-time positions generally amount to 10 days per month. Part-time positions generally amount to 5 days per month.

The intern should be available to work up to 8 hours per week during the Fall, with some flexibility to accommodate personal and academic schedules.

This role is available to receive academic credit. Vera will gladly assist in working with the school or program to make arrangements and meet requirements.

Please submit cover letter and resume. In your cover letter, please explain why you are passionate about criminal justice reform and what you hope to gain from this internship.

ATTN: People Resources / Fall 2024 - Legal Intern, Advocacy & Partnerships
Vera Institute of Justice
34 35th St, Suite 4-2A, Brooklyn, NY 11232
Fax: (212) 941-9407
Please use only one method (online, mail or fax) of submission.
No phone calls, please. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.

In order to ensure a healthy and safe work environment, Vera Institute of Justice is requiring all employees to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccine before their start date. Employees who cannot receive the vaccine because of a disability/medical contraindication or sincerely-held religious belief may request an accommodation (e.g., an exemption) to this requirement.

Vera is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, current employment status, or caregiver status. 

Vera works to advance justice, particularly racial justice, in an increasingly multicultural country and globally connected world. We value diverse experiences, including with regard to educational background and justice system contact, and depend on a diverse staff to carry out our mission. 

For more information about Vera, please visit www.vera.org.