Legal Internship, Detained Adult Program - Direct Representation

Amica Center for Immigrant Rights (Amica Center) • Washington, DC

11h • Remote

About The Position

The Amica Center for Immigrant Rights is seeking law students interested in immigrants’ rights to join its Detained Adult Program (DAP) internship. DAP works with adults from Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia who are detained by ICE, providing information, support, and legal representation through trauma-sensitive, client-centered services that value client autonomy.

The Spring 2027 internship requires a commitment of 15–20 hours per week for 10 weeks, beginning on or about January 19, 2027. Internships are unpaid. The Center can assist students seeking internship credit, and a limited number of small scholarship stipends are available through a separate application.

Internships are remote by default, with no required in-person work. Interns may have opportunities to appear in or observe court in person, visit clients in detention, and participate in occasional in-office work, meetings, or events.

Direct Representation Legal Interns assist staff in representing detained clients in immigration proceedings. The Center aims to provide interns with a wide range of tasks and legal matters within the scope of its work.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in law school.
• Able to commit 15–20 hours per week.
• Strong interest in human rights, social justice, and immigration rights issues.
• Excellent research and writing skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Intellectual curiosity.
• Willingness to work with individuals from low-income communities who may have criminal histories and/or mental health illnesses.
• Access to a laptop or computer, reliable internet, and a phone.

Nice To Haves

• Fluency in Spanish or another second language is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and writing in support of detained clients applying for relief before immigration court.
• Conduct individualized country conditions research and collect primary evidence in support of detained clients’ applications for relief.
• Assist with preparing and filing applications for immigration relief.
• Assist with legal research and case preparation for habeas corpus relief in federal courts.
• Assist with interpretation and translation, if possible.
• Communicate with clients and their family members by telephone.
• Attend court hearings and/or visit clients in detention.
• Provide client service and communication.
• Collect and assess evidence.

What This Job Offers

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