Children's Legal Services Legal Externship ( Spring 2027)

International Rescue Committee•Silver Spring, MD

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The International Rescue Committee's Children's Legal Services (CLS) Legal Intern supports CLS attorneys who provide services to unaccompanied youth facing deportation or 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 assist with preparation for immigration court hearings and state court custody or guardianship proceedings relevant to SIJS. The position includes direct client interactions, such as initial screenings, follow-up meetings, client communications, declaration drafting, and gathering and preparing supporting evidence. The intern also drafts immigration applications, legal cover letters or briefs, and court motions; monitors clients’ removal proceedings; and maintains current client notes and organized case files. The intern is expected to follow IRC policies on confidentiality and client privacy and to work respectfully with clients from diverse cultural and personal backgrounds. The internship is unpaid. Spring 2027 interns may be eligible for a $15-per-day per diem reimbursement to help offset food and travel costs. The posting describes a minimum of 15 hours and up to 37.5 hours per week, notes a preference for candidates able to work 37.5 hours, and elsewhere states a minimum commitment of 24 hours per week while also requiring at least 15 hours per week and in-person availability at the Silver Spring office. 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 application deadline is January 4, 2027.

Requirements

Be currently enrolled in an accredited JD or LLM program.
Be available for at least 15 hours per week, with the posting also describing a minimum commitment of 24 hours per week; preference is given to candidates able to work 37.5 hours per week.
Be able to work in person at the Silver Spring office.
Have a strong desire to help immigrant youth in Maryland.
Work independently, exercise good judgment, and demonstrate strong attention to detail.
Demonstrate competency in Microsoft Office, data tracking, and file management.
Have effective communication skills and 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 and volunteer and workplace policies.

Nice To Haves

Spanish language proficiency.

Responsibilities

Support CLS attorneys in providing client services, including interviews, follow-up meetings, and client communications.
Conduct factual research, including country conditions research, and legal research and analysis of client cases.
Assist clients with initial drafts of personal declarations and other factual information relevant to immigration applications.
Draft immigration applications, legal cover letters and briefs, and court motions.
Assist staff in monitoring 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.
Respect clients’ beliefs and values and demonstrate sensitivity to cultural and personal differences.
Perform other related duties as assigned.