Legal Intern, Vera Louisiana

Vera Louisiana is seeking two Legal Interns to provide support for ongoing projects related to prosecution reform, jail population reduction, investment in communities, mental health supports, and addressing Louisiana's carceral impact. The interns will be responsible for conducting legal research and writing, analyzing public records, attending meetings, engaging in public policy advocacy, and providing administrative support. The position offers an opportunity to gain knowledge and experience in research, writing, advocacy, government relations, and criminal legal systems in New Orleans and other parts of Louisiana.

• Conduct legal research and writing
• Review, organize, and analyze public records
• Observe criminal and magistrate court proceedings and City Council meetings and budget hearings
• Build legal research, written communication, and systemic analysis skills
• Attend coalition and partner organization meetings
• Build verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Gain awareness about network of criminal legal system advocacy organizations
• Prepare for and engage in public policy advocacy
• Build persuasive advocacy and communications skills
• Gain knowledge about successful advocacy arguments and responses at a quick pace
• Provide support for planned events and other related responsibilities that may arise
• Build knowledge about ways that advocates build public awareness
• Gain experience in routine, professional responsibilities

• Currently enrolled in law school or post-graduate policy program
• Interest in a nonprofit career, particularly in policy reform and advocacy

• Opportunity to work with a nonprofit criminal justice organization
• Chance to contribute to building just government institutions and safe communities
• Focus on addressing racism, white supremacy, profit, and inequity in legal systems
• Collaboration with ambitious public sector leaders
• Access to government to transform systems
• Work with stakeholders across various movements
• Pilot transformative and achievable solutions
• Use evidence to drive effective policy and practice
• Advocate for change in narratives and norms
• Equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity
• Emphasis on respect, independence, collaboration, commitment, anti-racism, and equity
• Value a range of experiences in educational backgrounds
• Encourage applications from individuals impacted by the criminal justice system
• Gain knowledge and experience in research, writing, advocacy, and government relations
• Opportunity to observe court proceedings and budget hearings
• Build legal research, written communication, and systemic analysis skills
• Attend coalition and partner organization meetings
• Develop verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Gain awareness about criminal legal system advocacy organizations
• Engage in public policy advocacy
• Build persuasive advocacy and communications skills
• Gain knowledge about successful advocacy arguments
• Support for planned events and other related responsibilities
• Build knowledge about building public awareness
• Gain experience in routine, professional responsibilities