Legal Internship, Detained Adult Program - Direct Representation

Overview

The organization is seeking law students for a Spring 2027 remote internship with the Detained Adult Program (DAP). The program supports hundreds of adults from Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia communities who are detained by ICE by providing information, support, and legal representation. This internship provides trauma-sensitive, client-centered services and emphasizes client autonomy as participants navigate the immigration system.

Spring 2027 interns will commit 15–20 hours a week for 10 weeks, starting on or about January 19, 2027.

Internships are unpaid. The organization may be able to assist students seeking internship credit. A limited number of small scholarship stipends are also available through a separate application.

Responsibilities

Direct Rep Legal Interns working with the Detained Adult Program may support staff representing detained clients in their immigration proceedings. Responsibilities may include:

• Conducting legal research and writing in support of detained clients applying for relief before the immigration court
• Conducting individualized country conditions research and collecting primary evidence in support of detained clients applying for relief before the Immigration Court
• Assisting in the preparation and filing of applications for immigration relief
• Supporting legal research and case preparation for habeas corpus relief in federal courts
• Assisting with interpretation and translation, if possible
• Communicating with clients and their family members via telephone
• Attending court hearings and/or visiting clients in detention

The internship is designed to ensure interns can work on a wide array of tasks and legal matters within the scope of the organization’s work.

General Responsibilities (Work Areas)

• Legal research and writing
• Client service and communication
• Evidence collection and assessment

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in law school
• Ability to commit 15–20 hours a week
• Strong interest in human rights, social justice, and immigration rights issues
• Excellent research and writing skills
• Ability to work independently and within a team
• Intellectually curious
• Willingness to work with individuals from low-income communities who might have criminal histories and/or mental health illnesses

Preferred Qualifications

• Fluency in Spanish or a second language is strongly preferred

Required Resources

Because the internship is remote, all interns must have access to:

• A laptop or computer (*)
• Reliable internet
• A phone

*The organization may be able to provide access to a temporary laptop.

Location

Remote work is the default for all internships. There will be no requirement for interns to conduct any in-person work during the internship; however, interns may have the opportunity to appear in or observe court in-person if comfortable. Occasional in-office work, in-person meetings, and events with staff and fellow interns may also be available.

Compensation & Benefits

• Unpaid internship
• Assistance may be available for internship credit
• Limited scholarship stipends may be available through a separate application

Application Process

Apply to ONLY ONE department within the organization. For example, if applying for this internship with the Detained Adult Program, do not also apply for an internship with another department.

Applications are rolling, and interviews may be scheduled and offers given before the deadline.

Applicants must submit the following in .pdf format:

• A cover letter describing interest in the position and relevant personal or professional experiences motivating the application
• A resume
• A list of at least 2 references
• A writing sample (legal memoranda and briefs, research papers, and articles are accepted). Only one writing sample is required and preferred.

Application Deadline

Spring 2027 internships are accepting applications on a rolling basis; apply as soon as you are able.