Fall 2012 Civil Rights Legal Internship Openings

The Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs, a non-profit law firm, is seeking talented law students who are committed to social justice and interested in learning about civil rights litigation for internship for Fall 2012.

Job Description: The Committee’s Equal Employment Opportunity, D.C.

Prisoners’ Rights, Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project, and Fair Housing Project are each in need of at least one intern.  The EEO Project investigates complaints of employment discrimination and through litigation of such complaints, works to enforce federal and state anti-discrimination laws.  The D.C. Prisoners’ Rights Project advocates and litigates for the humane treatment of incarcerated D.C. citizens, assists their family members with prison-related issues, and promotes progressive criminal justice reform.  The Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project seeks to enforce the rights of immigrants who are the victims of discrimination in housing and employment matters or who were denied access to government services based on race, national origin or other bases prohibited under federal and local laws.  The IRR Project also represents immigrant workers who are victims of wage abuse. The Fair Housing Project challenges housing discrimination based on race, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, source of income, and familial status, and attacks discriminatory mortgage lending and homeowners’ insurance practices.

Legal interns for the Committee have an opportunity to obtain hands-on experience with both the investigation and litigation of civil rights matters.  Investigation activities include interviewing complainants and witnesses, reviewing documents, and preparing memoranda summarizing facts and analyzing the merits of complaints under relevant civil rights laws. Litigation activities include conducting legal research, drafting legal memoranda and pleadings and assisting in preparation for legal proceedings.  Interns will receive extensive training in civil rights law and regular supervision and feedback.

Qualifications:  Interns should have a demonstrated commitment to public interest work and strong written, communication and organizational skills.  Proficiency in Spanish and/or French is a plus.  Completed course work in Constitutional Law and/or a civil rights subject matter is preferred but is not a prerequisite. Preference is for students with 12 or more hours available per week as this provides a better experience for the intern.

Salary:  The internship is unpaid; however, the Committee is committed to working with the students who apply for outside funding or school credit, and we encourage accepted applicants to seek out such opportunities.

Application Instructions:  Hiring will be conducted on a rolling basis, so please apply as soon as possible.  To submit an application, please send via email: (1) a cover letter indicating the Project(s) to which you wish to apply; (2) your resume; (3) an unofficial transcript; and (4) a writing sample of ten pages or fewer to: internships@washlaw.org <mailto:internships@washlaw.org> .  Subject line: Internship application of (your name).

Fall or spring externship opportunity

The Sexual Assault Legal Institute (SALI) is seeking fall and spring interns for the upcoming academic year. SALI is one of the only programs in the country devoted solely to providing direct legal services to victims of sexual assault. The Institute is a state wide program that provides legal services in civil cases for victims of sexual assault in cases such as: college administration hearings, privacy issues, peace and protective orders, family law matters, employment, housing, and any other civil issue related to sexual assault. SALI also provides technical assistance and training for attorneys, rape recovery center staff, and other professionals working with survivors. The Institute is part of the Maryland Coalition against Sexual Assault (MCASA). MCASA is a non-profit membership organization that includes the state?s nineteen rape recovery crisis centers, law enforcement, mental health and health care providers, attorneys, educators, survivors of sexual violence and other concerned individuals.

 

Legal interns in the office provide information to victims of sexual assault and help attorneys who are working on college administration hearings, privacy issues, peace and protective orders, family law matters, employment, housing, and any other civil matter relating to sexual assault.

Interns are expected to commit to work a minimum of fifteen hours per week for at least one academic semester. Specific duties vary according with caseload, but generally include telephone and in-person intakes and referrals (with direct client contact), and some legal research. Interns are given the opportunity to accompany attorneys to court when possible. Other intern responsibilities may include: assisting attorneys in preparing cases for trial and/ or witness interviews; helping victims to create their own safety plans; and other administrative duties as assigned.

 

Applicants must have a demonstrated interest in women?s issues, the American legal system, or working in the non-profit sector. Some academic background in on or more of these areas is preferred. Applicants must have common sense, and the ability to work independently. Please email a resume and cover letter detailing your interest, work experience, and availability to Ellen Opdyke at saliresume@mcasa.org.

More about the internship can be found at <http://www.mcasa.org/about-mcasa/jobs-internships/>; click on Legal Intern – SALI.____________________

fall Externship – Catholic Legal Immigration Network

The Center for Religious Immigration and Protection, a section of the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC), is seeking legal interns to assist its immigration attorneys for the fall 2012 semester.  We represent Catholic Dioceses and Religious Orders in bringing foreign-born religious workers into the U.S. to work for the Catholic Church.

The legal intern will:

 

• Receive diverse immigration law assignments
• Be a part of a busy nonprofit organization, with six attorneys on the Center’s staff
• Engage in case work including:
  • applications for nonimmigrant visas at U.S. consulates abroad;
  • applications for change of status or extension of status in the U.S.;
  • applications for legal permanent residence;
  • case management and client contact;
  • and legal research opportunities.
• Training on each aspect of immigration law will be provided.

 If interested, please e-mail resume, writing sample, and references to:

Attn:  Nancy Marwin

nmarwin@cliniclegal.org

Externships with Paralyzed Veterans of America

Paralyzed Veterans of America, National Appeals Office (NAO), is seeking legal interns/externs for the fall 2012 and/or spring 2013 semesters.  The NAO represents clients before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals on matters pertaining to a wide range of veterans’ benefits.  Clients include veterans of all conflicts, with a focus on those with target disabilities, e.g., paraplegia, quadriplegia, multiple sclerosis, ALS, and other neurological conditions.  Interns will provide research and writing support, review clients’ claims folders, develop issues, and prepare arguments for submission to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.  Ideal candidates will have excellent research and writing skills, with a strong eye for detail.  Military and/or medical experience is helpful.  Please send your letter of interest and resume to Diane Boyd Rauber, Director of Appeals, at dianer@pva.org.

Fall Externship Hon. Amy B. Jackson (D.C.D.C)

Judge Amy B. Jackson of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia is now accepting applications for internship positions for Fall 2012.

Interns will research substantive and procedural legal issues and draft written recommendations for resolving those issues. They will also be responsible for detailed editing and citation checking.  Additionally, interns will have regular opportunities to observe court proceedings.

This unpaid internship is open to all law students.  Fall interns are expected to work ten to fifteen hours per week, preferably including one eight hour day on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday.

 

Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, transcript (unofficial is accepted), three professional or academic references, and a short (15 pages or less) writing sample that reflects the applicant’s research and analytical skills.

Applications should be sent via email to Judge_Jackson_Internships@dcd.uscourts.gov.  Please title the subject line as follows: “Fall 2012: [applicant’s name].”  Applications must be submitted by August 10 and will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Questions may be directed to chambers via phone at 202-354-3460 or to the above email address.

Pro Bono Opportunity

TASSC – http://tassc.org/blog/, is located within walking distance of the law school at 4121 Harewood Road, NE; it is the only U.S. organization founded by survivors of torture for survivors, to oppose torture and to empower a community of survivors. Most TASSC members arrive in the U.S. seeking political asylum based on the torture and persecution they experienced in the home countries they fled. TASSC provides pro bono legal representation.

Volunteers will have the opportunity to engage in policy advocacy, but their primary focus will be on asylum representation. Students will take lead responsibility, under the supervision of TASSC pro bono attorneys, for initial screening of cases and for developing the case once members are accepted for asylum representation, from drafting documents and gathering evidence to preparing the client for interviews and hearings at Immigration Court (Arlington, Baltimore) and the DHS Asylum Office (Arlington). To the extent possible, students will be authorized to act as counsel in those venues in the presence of the attorney of record.

Requirements

Students must work at TASSC for the bulk of their hours. They will be given a desk, a computer and telephone access; as well as orientation and ongoing guidance at least once a week, including overviews of substantive legal principles and processes.

To apply, send a cover email and resume to Steve France, Esq., Asylum Coordinator (steve@tassc.org) and cc Demissie Abebe, Executive Director (demissie@tassc.org) by June 8. TASSC is likely to ask for a writing sample and will interview applicants before accepting them into the program.

Summer & Fall Immigration Internship Match Program

AILA DC 2012 Student Intern Match Program:  The DC Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association has initiated a Student Intern Match Program and is seeking students with a career interest in immigration law to be matched with suitable employers for summer and fall 2012.  Please send a generic cover letter and resume geared toward immigration practice to D.C. Drake at davidcdrake@gmail.com.  Please indicate: (1) any experience and coursework in immigration law; (2) language abilities, if any; (3) whether you have any preference regarding the type of work (removal defense, business, appellate, etc.); and (4) when you will be available for an internship.  All internships will be in the DC metro area.  We anticipate the internships to generally be unpaid but whether the internships are paid or will garner class credit is up to the employer, student, and law school to negotiate as applicable.  AILA DC will send applications to suitable potential employers for follow up with applicants.  Please contact D.C. Drake at davidcdrake@gmail.com by May 4, 2012 if interested in summer positions.

Immigration internship with Catholic Legal Immigration Network

The Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc.’s (CLINIC) is seeking interns for its Advocacy section for the summer 2012 session.

Interns will assist attorneys with administrative advocacy efforts to remedy problems faced by low-income immigrants and CLINIC member agencies and assist in our efforts to support state advocates working to combat local anti-immigrant measures.  Tasks may include:

• Reviewing government regulations and policy memos
• Drafting comments on federal regulations
• Attending meetings with government agencies, hearings and other events
• Assisting affiliate programs with individual case inquiries
• Researching and analyzing state immigration-related legislation

Applicants must have strong writing and communication skills and excellent attention to detail.  These internships are ideal for students considering a career in public policy or advocacy.

If interested, please send a resume and cover letter to Allison Posner, CLINIC’s Director of Advocacy, at aposner@cliniclegal.org.

Visit their web site at www.cliniclegal.org.

Law Clerk position (unpaid) Maryland Attorney

Responsibilities will focus entirely on a single criminal case.  17 y/o indigent defendant is charged in adult court and faces life imprisonment.  Law clerk will work very closely with lead counsel on all aspects of the defense, including an effort to transfer the case to juvenile court.  Specific responsibilities will include interviewing witnesses and issuing subpoenas, organizing and preparing evidence, strategy sessions, observing courtroom proceedings, writing motions and pleadings, and other duties that may arise.

Must be a rising second or third year student with a strong interest in criminal defense and/or juvenile justice, as well as an unequivocal drive to defend the client.  Must have a car and easy access to Montgomery County, Maryland.  Spanish fluency is a plus, but not required.

This is an excellent opportunity to work on a challenging case with many interesting legal and factual issues.  This is an appointed case, and the position is unpaid.  Aside from the experience and the learning process, involvement will be strictly for the sake of defending the client.  All expenses, however, will be covered.

If interested, please email resume and brief writing sample to: jns@jsharifilaw.com

Paid summer Internship in DC

The District of Columbia’s Office of Police Complaints (OPC) is seeking enthusiastic and dedicated law school students to work as  interns. OPC is an independent government agency that receives, investigates, and resolves citizen complaints of police misconduct filed against Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers. OPC provides an independent and impartial forum for the processing of police misconduct complaints and promotes the highest attainable standard of integrity, professionalism, and accountability in the District’s police department.  Law school interns work alongside experienced staff on a variety of projects. The primary duties of law school interns are to (1) conduct legal research and write legal memoranda on issues related to police misconduct and the operations of the agency; (2) conduct best practices research and draft proposals for police reform; and (3) work with MPD, attorneys, advocacy groups, and local and federal agencies on issues affecting police accountability. Fall/Spring interns must commit to 15 hours per week to be considered for the program. Fall and spring internships are unpaid, but can be done in conjunction with a course for academic credit. Fall and spring interns can be first-year, second-year, or third-year law students. Summer positions are paid and interns must commit to working at least 40 hours per week to be considered for the program. Summer internships are open only to second-year law students.

Applicants should have strong interpersonal skills, and be able to work with diverse populations. Courses in government, public policy, civil rights, and criminal justice are viewed favorably, as are foreign language skills (especially Spanish). Law school interns also should have excellent legal research, analysis, and writing skills, and be familiar with electronic legal research databases. Applications, which should include a brief cover letter, résumé, transcript, and writing sample, may be faxed to 202-727-7638, e-mailed to Internship.dcpc@dc.gov, or mailed to:

Law School Intern Program

Office of Police Complaints

1400 I Street, NW

Suite 700

Washington, DC 20005

For more information about OPC and the internship program, please contact the office at 202-727-3838, or visit OPC’s website at http://www.policecomplaints.dc.gov.

APPLICATION DEADLINES FOR 2012: Summer – April 30, 2012

Fall – August 31, 2012