Legal Internship, Detained Adult Program - Direct Representation

Overview

This organization is seeking law students to join its Detained Adult Program (DAP) internship program. The DAP supports detained adults from communities in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia, including information, support, and legal representation.

Internships are remote by default to ensure accessibility for students regardless of geographic location. Interns may have the opportunity to appear in or observe court in person if comfortable, and there may also be occasional in-office work, in-person meetings, and events with staff and fellow interns.

Internship Details

• Program: Spring 2027 Legal Internship Program (Detained Adult Program)
• Schedule: 15–20 hours/week
• Duration: 10 weeks
• Start date: on or about January 19, 2027

Responsibilities

Direct Rep Legal Interns will assist staff representing detained clients in 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 with 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

General Responsibilities

• 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
• Fluency in Spanish or a second language is strongly preferred

Required Resources (Remote Work)

Due to the remote nature of the internship, 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.

Compensation & Benefits

• Unpaid internship
• Internship credit support may be available
• A limited number of small scholarship stipends may be available through a separate application process

Application Process

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews may be scheduled and offers may be given before the deadline, so candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Applicants must apply to only one department. If applying for this internship with the Detained Adult Program, do not apply for internships with other departments.

Applicants are asked to submit a PDF application package including:

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

Location

Remote internship by default.

DAP serves detained adults from communities in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia.