Overview
A legal internship opportunity is available in the New York office for Fall 2026 to support pro bono legal representation of asylum seekers before the New York Asylum Office and Immigration Courts. Interns will work directly with clients on interviewing and document drafting, and collaborate with attorneys on case strategy. Tasks include legal strategy, forms completion, advocacy, legal research, and brief writing.
This unpaid internship supports the New York legal team and may be performed remotely. A computer and internet connection are required. The organization encourages applications from people of color, women, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBT community. Assistance with externship credit, work-study, or securing external funding is available.
Responsibilities
- Conduct client intake interviews and draft case summaries
- Support asylum cases by drafting declarations, briefs, legal memoranda, and other advocacy documents
- Prepare and file forms for affirmative immigration relief, including asylum applications, family reunification petitions, employment authorization applications, temporary protected status, and permanent residency applications
- Conduct legal research on immigration law and country conditions for analysis and reporting
- Attend legal trainings, advocacy group meetings, and discussion panels in the New York area and virtually
Requirements
- Enrollment in an accredited JD or LLM program
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple deadlines
- Legal research and writing skills, especially in immigration law, administrative law, federal law, and federal regulations
- Passion for immigration advocacy, direct client representation, and protecting migrant rights
- Experience working with vulnerable populations and survivors of trauma
- Ability to work collaboratively with staff, clients, and community organizations
- Self-motivated to work independently on multiple tasks
- Fluency in a second language, particularly Spanish, is a plus
Compensation & Commitment
- Unpaid internship
- Time commitment: 30 hours per week
- Start date: September 8, 2026
- End date: December 11, 2026
Application Instructions
Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, and a writing sample (no more than 5 pages).
Submission Deadline
Applications are due by July 31, 2026.
Location
New York, NY (remote work option available)