Legal Intern - Spring 2027

Human Rights First•Los Angeles, CA

10d

About The Position

Human Rights First’s Los Angeles office seeks a motivated legal intern for the Spring 2027 semester to support pro bono representation of asylum seekers before the Los Angeles Asylum Office and Immigration Courts. The intern will work with clients on interviewing and document drafting and collaborate with attorneys on case strategy. Work may include legal strategy, forms completion, advocacy, legal research, and brief writing. The intern will contribute to the Refugee Representation program, which assists asylum seekers who cannot afford an attorney and need help pursuing asylum or other humanitarian-based immigration relief. The role supports Human Rights First’s mission to promote respect for human rights and the rule of law in the United States. The position supports the Los Angeles team and may be performed remotely. A computer and internet connection are required. The internship is unpaid; Human Rights First will assist interns with externship credit, work-study, or seeking funding from external sources. The internship runs from January 29, 2027, through April 23, 2027, with a commitment of 15–20 hours per week. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited JD or LLM program. Applications require a resume, cover letter, and writing sample of no more than five pages, submitted in PDF format. The submission deadline is November 17, 2026.

Requirements

Be enrolled in an accredited JD or LLM program.
Have strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and creative problem-solving skills, including the ability to manage multiple deadlines.
Have legal research and writing skills, particularly in immigration law, federal circuit law, agency decisions, and federal regulations.
Have a dedicated interest in immigration advocacy and protecting the rights of migrants.
Be able to work collaboratively with staff, clients, and community organizations.
Be motivated to work independently and manage multiple tasks with important deadlines.
Have access to a computer and internet connection.
Submit a resume, cover letter, and writing sample of no more than five pages in PDF format by November 17, 2026.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with vulnerable populations and survivors of trauma.
Fluency in a second language, particularly Spanish, French, or Russian.

Responsibilities

Conduct client intake interviews and draft case summaries.
Support Human Rights First staff on asylum cases, including drafting declarations, briefs, legal memoranda, and other advocacy materials.
Assist with preparing and filing forms for affirmative immigration relief, including asylum applications, family reunification petitions, employment authorization applications, temporary protected status applications, and applications for permanent residency.
Conduct legal research on developing areas of immigration law and country conditions for analysis and reporting.
Participate in legal trainings, advocacy groups, and discussion panels in the greater Los Angeles area and virtually.
Collaborate with clients, staff, attorneys, and community organizations on case-related work.