2026 Summer Legal Intern / Law Clerk

Youth Law Center • San Francisco, CA

94d

About The Position

Youth Law Center (YLC) invites current 1L & 2L students to explore their interest in creating systemic change in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems by applying to join us as a summer 2026 legal intern. Since 1978, YLC has advocated on behalf of systems-involved young people to end traumatic practices and unsafe conditions in California and nationally and to ensure that young people receive the supports, opportunities, and quality care they need in order to become successful, thriving adults. YLC has led the field to transform the child welfare and juvenile justice systems to be truly child-focused and research-informed, through the use of a variety of advocacy tools: impact litigation, policy reform, media advocacy, collaborative system-change projects, training and technical assistance, and public education. YLC is especially committed to centering the perspectives and voices of the young people and families most impacted by the systems we advocate to change, and we partner with other organizations that share this priority. Please note, YLC does not provide direct legal representation to individual youth and families.

Requirements

• Current 1L or 2L law student.
• Excellent research and writing skills.
• Ability to stay directed and focused in a fully remote work environment.
• Experience and/or interest in child and youth advocacy.
• Desire to explore nonprofit legal aid and systemic advocacy environments.

Nice To Haves

• Personal, lived experience in child welfare and juvenile justice systems.
• Background from historically marginalized identities that are disproportionately represented in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to a variety of YLC's ongoing and emerging advocacy projects based on personal interests and strengths.
• Develop at least one strong writing sample for future job and funding applications.
• Receive training through the annual summer seminar series on child welfare and juvenile justice systems.
• Participate in YLC team meetings, strategic advocacy meetings, and other workgroups.
• Receive close one-on-one supervisory support and feedback from YLC attorneys.
• Complete one or more substantial research and writing projects.
• Potentially observe legislative hearings and visit juvenile facilities.
• Attend YLC and other summer intern events.

Benefits

• Training through annual summer seminar series.
• Close supervisory support from YLC attorneys.
• Opportunities to meet with YLC staff to discuss career interests.
• Potential funding for students unable to obtain their own funding.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees