Intern, Reentry Justice Project (Fall)
About The Position
Legal Aid DC, a nonprofit organization with an approximately $18 million annual budget and a staff of approximately 125 employees, is seeking a Fall Intern to join our Reentry Justice Project. Since 1932, Legal Aid has provided civil legal assistance to clients in individual cases and engaged in systemic reform. Currently, we provide individual representation in consumer law, domestic violence/family law, housing, public benefits, and immigration matters. We also help people with the collateral consequences of their involvement with the criminal justice system. From the experiences of our clients, we identify opportunities for law reform, public policy advocacy, and systemic impact and appellate litigation. Legal Aid also administers the DC Resource Bridge, a single access point for legal services in the District. Legal Aid believes that meaningful pursuit of our anti-poverty mission requires an unwavering commitment to racial justice and equity. We aspire both to reflect the rich racial diversity of the communities we serve and to value, respect, and empower our staff and clients to be effective agents of change. This internship is for Fall 2026 and will be 12 weeks in duration. Interns at Legal Aid DC have the unique opportunity to receive substantive assignments that will have an immediate impact on our clients. Legal Aid will help Fall semester interns receive course credit for their internships. Interns work out of Legal Aid’s offices in NW DC, with the option to perform some work remotely if approved by their supervisor. Fall interns should expect to work at least 12 hours per week. Legal Aid DC’s Reentry Justice Project is dedicated to assisting clients facing barriers in accessing housing, employment, and other civil rights and opportunities as a result of having a criminal record. We provide representation to clients in areas including criminal record sealing, housing and employment denials based on criminal history, and challenges to other collateral consequences arising within our civil legal practice areas. We also advocate for policy changes before the D.C. Council, administrative agencies, and other legislative and regulatory bodies.
Requirements
- Current law school student or graduate interested in public interest and or reentry justice.
Nice To Haves
- Personal experience with the criminal justice system
- Lived experiences in the communities we serve
Responsibilities
- Conduct criminal case searches for record sealing applicants to determine the extent of their record and to assess what is eligible for sealing relief.
- Under the guidance of supervisors, meet with and interview clients to learn their story and develop the necessary facts for motions to seal their criminal records.
- Assist attorneys in requesting and obtaining clients' police and court records.
- Under the guidance of supervisors, draft motions to seal criminal records.
- Attend Reentry project meetings, skills workshops, Legal Aid staff meetings.
Benefits
- Scholarship funding up to $2,585 for the 12-week internship
- Course credit for internships
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
Associate degree
