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The Tahirih Justice Center is a national nonprofit organization that serves immigrant survivors fleeing gender-based violence. Our interdisciplinary, trauma-informed model of service combines free legal and social services with bridge-building policy advocacy and research-based training and education. By amplifying the experiences of survivors in communities, courts, and Congress, Tahirih’s mission is to create a world in which all people share equal rights and live in safety and with dignity. [Learn more about Tahirih’s Values, including our Commitment to Anti-Racism]
We specialize in the representation of immigrant survivors of domestic violence, trafficking, and other violent crimes who seek immigration relief under the Violence Against Women Act and the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, as well as of refugees fleeing gender-based persecution who seek protection under U.S. asylum laws. Our legal advocacy includes both direct service to individuals and broader efforts to transform policies, develop regulations, and set precedent so that systemic change will ensure the long-term protection of individuals from violence due to their gender.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Client communication: assist attorneys with client communications and interviewing prospective clients.
- Immigration court hearing preparation: assist attorney(s) with preparing for court hearings at Baltimore and Hyattsville Immigration Courts, such as with compiling trial binders, preparing requests for prosecutorial discretion, drafting and preparing motions, and observing court hearing if there is availability and interest.
- Asylum interview preparation: assist attorney(s) with preparing for asylum interviews at Arlington Asylum Office, such as collecting and compiling supplemental evidence, preparing filing submissions, and observing mock interview sessions with clients if there is availability and interest.
- Legal writing and research: with attorney supervision, draft legal documents such as client letters, client declarations, and briefs. Research country conditions for asylum, VAWA and/or U visa/T visa cases.
- Administrative work: Process mail, maintain and update information in electronic case management systems and physical files.
- Opportunities may arise to participate in community outreach and/or advocacy work, if the intern is interested, but this would not be a major focus of the internship.
- Commitment to at least 25 hours per week in a hybrid environment, for an internship term of 12 weeks.
- Experience with working with trauma survivors, immigrants, refugees, children, or other similar vulnerable populations.
- Enrollment in law school, excellent research, writing and analytical skills, commitment to or interest in public interest law.
- Language skills highly desired but not required, particularly Spanish.
- Must work well independently and together with a team of attorneys, paralegals, and social service professionals.
- Must be detail-oriented, well-organized, responsible, personable, and comfortable working with diverse populations from a variety of backgrounds.
- Previous experience in Immigration law, domestic violence or criminal law is desirable.
Compensation: Tahirih pays interns a $5000 stipend for completing 300 hours over the course of the summer
How to Apply: Please submit a resume and brief cover letter explaining how your interests and background align with Tahirih Justice Center’s mission and services.
Work Authorization: Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.
Please note: All interns must pass a background check and complete an in-depth training course on working with survivors of violence, learning Legal Server, and other subsequent trainings. All candidates must be able to at least 25 hours per week for 12 weeks.
