Legal Services Intern

Legal Services Intern

The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) is a Quaker faith-based global organization that promotes lasting peace with justice as a practical expression of faith in action. Drawing on continuing spiritual insights and working with people of diverse backgrounds, we nurture the seeds of change and respect for human life that transform social relations and systems.

Join Our Team! Make A Difference

The Legal Services Intern will work with and under the supervision of AFSC staff to conduct intakes with immigrants for eligibility for humanitarian and family-based forms of immigration relief; provide critical support in detained and/or non-detained removal defense cases; prepare applications for submission to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS); assist with legal research and writing; and work with clients to gather information and documents needed in support of their immigration cases. The internship will offer the opportunity to observe and participate in immigration court proceedings, as well as USCIS interviews.

The essential functions/responsibilities and accountabilities include: assisting in or conducting legal screenings to determine eligibility for immigration benefits; researching legal issues and country conditions; drafting briefs and legal memoranda; gathering documentation and assisting with case preparation; translating documents or assisting with interpretation, as necessary; participating in legal team and other AFSC meetings; meeting regularly with a supervisor; maintaining regular attendance and punctuality; operating safely in all conditions and following policies and procedures; and performing other duties and projects as assigned.

Minimum experience and qualifications include: an undergraduate’s degree required; current enrollment in an accredited law school required; fluency in Spanish language preferred; ability to work evenings and/or weekends and to travel, as required; ability to work effectively independently and within a team environment; experience with standard Microsoft Office and related technology; capability of working under tight time constraints in a high-volume environment with multiple priorities; demonstrated ability to work and communicate with diverse staff; respect for Quaker values and testimonies; knowledge of and support for the principles and philosophy of the American Friends Service Committee including non-violence and the belief in the intrinsic worth of every individual; respect for and sensitivity to cultural, ethnic, racial, gender and religious diversity and familiarity with non-violent approaches to problem solving; ability to organize, plan ahead and prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines; and demonstrated dedication to the principles of fairness, equity and inclusion in regard to issues of race, class, nationality, religion, age, gender and sexual orientation, and disabilities.

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position is an unpaid internship. There are no medical, dental, or life insurance benefits, short-term or long-term insurance benefits with this position. AFSC does participate in unemployment, worker's compensation, and social security.

The American Friends Service Committee provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. The policy applies to all terms and conditions or employment including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

AFSC's Central Office and some of its offices in the U.S. are unionized workplaces. This position is not represented.

The American Friends Service Committee is a smoke-free workplace.