Children's Legal Services Legal Externship ( Spring 2027)

International Rescue Committee•Silver Spring, MD

15h•Onsite

About The Position

The Children’s Legal Services (CLS) Legal Intern supports CLS attorneys providing legal services to unaccompanied youth facing removal proceedings in the United States. Under attorney supervision, the intern conducts legal and factual research and analysis for applications for asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), and other humanitarian relief, including T and U visas. The intern may help prepare for immigration court hearings and state court custody or guardianship proceedings related to SIJS. The role also includes direct client contact, assisting with screenings, follow-up meetings, declarations, and evidence gathering, as well as administrative work to keep client notes and files organized and current. This is an unpaid internship with the IRC in Silver Spring. Spring 2027 interns are expected to attend an in-person orientation on January 25, 2027, from 9:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The posting contains conflicting semester and weekly-hour information: it identifies the opportunity as Spring 2027 but also refers to a Fall semester, and lists both a minimum of 15 hours and a minimum commitment of 24 hours per week. It states that in-person work at the Silver Spring office is required. Eligible Spring 2027 interns may receive $15 per diem reimbursement per day toward food and travel costs. Selected applicants must complete background checks; the posting requests a $30 donation to help cover associated costs.

Requirements

Be currently enrolled in an accredited JD or LLM program.
Be available for at least 15 hours per week; the posting also states a minimum commitment of 24 hours per week and indicates a preference for candidates able to work 37.5 hours.
Be able to work in person at the Silver Spring office.
Have a strong desire to help immigrant youth in Maryland.
Be able to work independently, exercise good judgment, and demonstrate strong attention to detail.
Have competency in Microsoft Office, data tracking, and file management.
Have effective communication skills.
Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.
Demonstrate patience, understanding, flexibility, and a positive attitude.
Be willing to learn about IRC history, philosophy, global work, and local efforts.
Adhere to the IRC code of conduct, volunteer and workplace policies.

Nice To Haves

Spanish language proficiency.
Availability to work 37.5 hours per week.

Responsibilities

Assist CLS attorneys with client interviews, follow-up meetings, and client communications.
Conduct factual research, including country conditions research, and legal research and analysis for client cases.
Assist clients with initial drafting of personal declarations and other fact-finding relevant to immigration applications.
Draft immigration applications, legal cover letters or briefs, and court motions.
Assist staff with monitoring the status of clients’ immigration court removal proceedings.
Record client notes in the case management system and help sort, scan, and file documents in case files.
Maintain confidentiality and protect client privacy in accordance with IRC policies.
Treat clients sensitively, respecting cultural and personality differences, beliefs, and values.
Perform other related duties as assigned.