Fall Legal Intern

Kids in Need of Defense (KIND)

May 21

Applications are closed

Internship
Full-time
Starts on Aug 25
Off-cycle Internship
Legal

Requirements

Must be currently enrolled in an accredited JD or LLM program.
Fluency in Spanish and English (oral and written).
Exceptional academic credentials, strong writing skills, and attention to detail.
Experience in immigration and family law is strongly preferred.
Experience working with children and survivors of trauma is preferred.
Must be passionate about issues affecting unaccompanied immigrant children.
Ability to work within an office environment (or remotely) and have regular interaction via telephone, videoconference, IM, and email with KIND's team.
A laptop will be provided for this role.
KIND requires all staff be COVID vaccinated with the exception of those who have medical or religious beliefs exemptions.

Responsibilities

Supporting the direct representation of separated families: Prepare legal filings, such as motions, affidavits, briefs, and/or applications or petitions for relief including: asylum; state court petitions in support of Special Immigration Juvenile Status (SIJS); SIJS petitions; U-visa petitions; T-visas applications; work authorization applications; and prepare for hearings or interviews before immigration court and/or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Client Engagement: Schedule legal screenings with prospective child clients, adult sponsors, and/or other agencies; observe and conduct legal screenings; draft case summaries and routine client correspondences.
Legal Research: Research current trends in immigration and family law, other federal laws that may affect unaccompanied children, and country conditions; and draft memoranda of law.
Case Management: Maintain case data management system through data entry, such as tracking court hearing dates and deadlines case activities, client communications, and case referrals.
Develop Sample Materials: Prepare and update sample USCIS and immigration court filings, training materials, pro bono guides, and practice advisories.
Programmatic Support: Participate in special projects for KIND attorneys and staff.
Translation and Interpretation: Interpret at client meetings or legal screenings; and translate documents, such as birth, marriage, death certificates, client correspondences, or other Spanish-written documents.
Meetings: Attend weekly virtual staff meetings, legal trainings, and presentations, if available.
Community Outreach: Present Know Your Rights presentations at resource fairs, schools, and in other community settings as needed.

FAQs

What is the duration of the Fall Legal Internship at KIND?

The internship lasts for approximately 15 weeks, from August 26, 2024, to December 6, 2024.

Is this internship remote, or are there options for in-person work?

The internship is primarily remote, but interns may have the opportunity to work from a nearby field office, contingent on available space and COVID protocols at the time.

What type of work will I be doing as a legal intern in the Family Separation Response Team?

Interns will help families separated by the government under the Zero Tolerance Policy, interact with clients, prepare applications for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), conduct novel research, and work on class action forms of relief and federal remedies.

How many hours per week is the internship?

Interns are expected to commit to 12-16 hours per week.

Is this internship paid?

No, this internship is unpaid, but it may be pursued for academic credit.

Can I receive financial assistance for this internship?

KIND is open to discussions about work-study programs, and funding from external sources is welcomed.

Will interns have the opportunity to represent clients in court?

There will be limited opportunities to represent unaccompanied children in immigration or state court proceedings, as many clients are spread out across the country.

When will the exact hours and schedule for the internship be determined?

The exact hours and schedule will be discussed during interviews or prior to the start of the internship.

Kids in Need of Defense (KIND)

We protect unaccompanied children every step of the way in their search for safety and protection.

Non-profit

Industry

51-200

Employees

2008

Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) is the preeminent international nongovernmental organization devoted to the protection of unaccompanied and separated children. KIND envisions a world in which every unaccompanied child on the move has access to legal representation and has their rights and well-being protected as they migrate alone in search of safety. In 2008, KIND was founded by the Microsoft Corporation and Co-Founder and Patron Angelina Jolie to address the gap in legal services for unaccompanied children. KIND now has offices and staff across the United States, Mexico, and Europe. Our team, and KIND’s extensive network of private sector pro bono and NGO partners provide unaccompanied children with innovative holistic care that includes legal representation and assistance and psychosocial support.