Intern, Appellate Project (Spring 2027)

LEGAL AID DC • Washington, DC

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

Legal Aid DC is seeking a spring 2027 intern for its nationally recognized Barbara McDowell Appellate Advocacy Project. The Project litigates precedent-setting appeals on behalf of Legal Aid clients and files friend-of-the-court briefs in matters important to people living in poverty. It also provides appellate instruction, consultation, and advice to the D.C. legal services community. Its work primarily involves the D.C. Court of Appeals, as well as administrative appeals and cases before the D.C. Superior Court and federal courts.

The internship lasts 12 weeks, from January 8, 2027, through April 2, 2027. Interns should expect to work at least 12 hours per week. The position is based in Legal Aid’s offices in NW DC, with the option to perform some work remotely if approved by the supervisor. Legal Aid will help spring semester interns receive course credit. Interns may receive a scholarship of up to $2,650 for the internship, subject to the stated restrictions on outside funding and school programs that preclude payment.

Interns may draft substantial portions of briefs, research novel legal questions, attend oral arguments, meet judges and appellate practitioners, and participate in professional enrichment opportunities such as legal writing training.

Requirements

• Be a current law school student.
• Have an interest in public interest law and appellate law.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research using Lexis to answer quick questions or prepare longer memoranda.
• Draft portions of filings, including briefs and motions, and client correspondence.
• Cite-check, Bluebook, proofread, and perform other detail-oriented tasks.
• Participate in oral argument preparation, including moot arguments.
• Review publicly available dockets to identify cases in which Legal Aid should become involved, including assessing lengthy records and identifying issues.
• Provide administrative support to the project.

Benefits

• Scholarship of up to $2,650 for the 12-week internship, subject to eligibility restrictions.
• Legal Aid will help spring semester interns receive course credit for their internships.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed