Non-Legal Intern - Spring 2027

Human Rights First•New York, NY

10d•Remote

About The Position

Human Rights First’s New York office seeks motivated non-legal interns for the Spring 2027 semester to support pro bono non-legal representation of asylum seekers before Asylum Offices and Immigration Courts in the New York and New Jersey area. Interns may work directly with clients on interviewing and document drafting and collaborate with attorneys on case strategy. Work on direct-representation cases may include non-legal strategy, forms completion, advocacy, research, and brief writing. Interns contribute to the Refugee Representation program, which provides non-legal assistance to asylum seekers who cannot afford an attorney and need help with an asylum claim or another humanitarian-based form of immigration relief. Through direct engagement with refugees, interns apply their non-legal skills to support clients’ cases and Human Rights First’s mission to promote respect for human rights and the rule of law in the United States. The position is unpaid, supports mostly the New York team, and may be performed remotely. A computer and internet connection are required. The commitment is 15–20 hours per week. The internship runs from January 29, 2027, to April 23, 2027. Human Rights First will assist interns with externship credit, work-study, or seeking funding from external sources. Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample of no more than five pages.

Requirements

Be enrolled in an undergraduate bachelor’s degree program.
Have strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and creative problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines.
Have non-legal research and writing skills, particularly in immigration law, administrative law, federal law, and federal regulations.
Have a dedicated interest in and passion for immigration advocacy, direct client representation, and protecting migrants’ rights.
Be able to work collaboratively with staff, clients, and community organizations.
Be motivated to work independently and manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
Have access to a computer and internet connection.
Submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample of no more than five pages.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Conduct client interviews, including screening interviews with potential clients, and draft case summaries.
Support Human Rights First staff on asylum cases, including country-conditions work and other non-legal advocacy efforts.
Update and maintain databases.
Conduct non-legal research on developing areas of immigration law and country conditions for analysis and reporting.
Participate in non-legal trainings, advocacy groups, and discussion panels in the greater New York/New Jersey area and virtually.
Support direct-representation cases through non-legal strategy, forms completion, advocacy, research, and brief writing.