Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI) Spring 2026 Intern LGBTQ Project

National Immigrant Justice Center • Chicago, IL

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) advances human rights and due process for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers through direct legal services, impact litigation, advocacy, and public education. Headquartered in Chicago, NIJC has offices in Washington, DC, Indiana, and San Diego, and a team of more than 100 attorneys, paralegals, and professionals, alongside 2,000 pro bono attorneys.

The Spring 2027 Law Student Intern will work with NIJC’s Children’s Protection Project, which represents immigrant youth before USCIS and immigration court. Many clients are unaccompanied children who were released from government shelters to sponsors in NIJC’s service area. The team focuses on asylum and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, as well as other forms of humanitarian immigration relief. Interns gain hands-on experience in immigration matters and work with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds. Applicants should be prepared to work with youth of different ages in a trauma-informed manner. The internship requires 200 hours during the semester.

The position is hybrid. Interns should expect to work from the Chicago Loop office approximately two days per week, and more often for in-person client meetings. NIJC welcomes applicants with a demonstrated interest in immigration law, including those with limited prior experience, and particularly encourages applications from people with lived experience in immigrant communities, members of marginalized communities, and groups underrepresented in the legal profession.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in law school.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills, with attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and IT systems.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills.
• Adaptability and flexibility.
• Collaboration and teamwork skills.
• Excellent time management skills and a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and proactively solve problems.
• Ability to communicate regularly with clients in Spanish.

Nice To Haves

• Spanish proficiency is strongly preferred.
• Fluency in a relevant second language is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated interest in immigration law; prior experience may be limited.
• Lived experience in immigrant communities, membership in marginalized communities, or belonging to a group underrepresented in the legal profession is particularly encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Prepare clients for asylum interviews and immigration court hearings.
• Gather evidence and prepare affidavits.
• Conduct country conditions research.
• Maintain miscellaneous client contact.
• Conduct legal research to support evolving matters in the representation of immigrant youth.
• Work with youth of a variety of ages in a trauma-informed manner.

What This Job Offers

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