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Job Description
Legal Intern Spring 2025 – Refugee Representation
The Refugee Representation intern will assist the team by providing general support. We are looking for currently enrolled law school student who have a strong interest in and commitment to human rights, an interest in immigration law (particularly asylum,) are fluent in a relevant second language (Spanish, French, Arabic, Mandarin and Russian, among others), want to work on behalf of asylum-seekers, and possess excellent organizational and communication skills.
The Refugee Representation program works to provide indigent asylum seekers with quality legal representation in their asylum cases. The program also advocates for legal reform and policy change on issues affecting asylum seekers in the United States. Interns will assist staff members in conducting screenings, intake interviews, intake write-ups, legal research, drafting supporting affidavits and declarations for clients and potential asylum clients.
How will the intern make a difference in the Human Rights space through this internship?
The Intern will work on a variety of projects that focus on the promotion of human rights specifically surrounding refugees and asylum seekers through advocacy and direct representation.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- The intern will assist staff members in conducting screenings and intake interviews with potential asylum clients and drafting detailed interview-based reports with extensive country conditions documentation and legal analysis;
- They will also assist Human Rights First attorneys in drafting affidavits, briefs, and other legal documents for asylum seekers;
- Interns will complete immigration forms for Human Rights First’s direct representation clients, including family reunification petitions and green card applications when needed;
- Interns will provide interpretation services on an occasional basis if fully fluent in a relevant second language.
REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:
- Fluency in a second language (preference will be given to Spanish, French, Arabic, Mandarin and Russian speakers);
- Excellent writing and editing skills;
- Excellent research skills;
- Strong attention to detail;
- As the program deals daily with indigent asylum seekers who are often survivors of torture, it is important that the intern be comfortable speaking and listening during times of emotional crises;
- Background in human rights;
- Initiative and enthusiasm.
REQUIRED EDUCATION: Enrolled in law school
COMPENSATION: Unpaid
TIME COMMITMENT: 15 hours/week
REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS: Resume, Cover Letter
START DATE: January 21, 2025
END DATE: May 16, 2025
APPLICATION DEADLINE: December 20, 2024
Human Rights First is committed to recruiting, retaining, and developing staff from a diversity of backgrounds, including members of racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, people of all socioeconomic backgrounds, people of all nationalities, and veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. We believe that a diverse staff and an inclusive work environment that welcomes a range of perspectives make us stronger and more effective.
