Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI) Summer Intern 2027 Detention Team

National Immigrant Justice Center • Chicago, IL

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) is hiring a Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI) law student intern for its Detention Team for Summer 2027. This hybrid position requires one day per week in the Chicago Loop office and has a 300-hour summer requirement.

NIJC advances human rights and due process for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers through direct legal services, impact litigation, advocacy, and public education. Its Detention Project provides legal orientation, screening, and representation to immigrant adults held in ICE detention facilities across Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Kentucky.

The intern will gain hands-on experience with immigration matters, primarily supporting detention cases under the supervision of a legal representative. The role includes client and family intake, case preparation, research, participation in hearings, and training. 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 people from groups underrepresented in the legal profession.

Applicants should submit a resume and a brief cover letter describing their interest in the role, why the work resonates with them, and relevant experience connected to NIJC’s mission and the position’s responsibilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role. Hired individuals must verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required employment eligibility verification form.

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.
• Commitment to the 300-hour summer internship requirement.
• Ability to communicate regularly with clients in Spanish; Spanish proficiency is strongly preferred.

Nice To Haves

• Fluency in a relevant second language; Spanish proficiency is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated interest in immigration law; prior experience is not required.
• Lived experience in immigrant communities, membership in marginalized communities, or belonging to a group underrepresented in the legal profession is particularly encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Conduct intake interviews with detained non-citizens and their family members.
• Present intake interviews for legal assessment.
• Prepare immigration cases for filing with a supervising legal representative.
• Prepare affidavits and indexes and gather supporting documents.
• Prepare for and appear at Executive Office for Immigration Review hearings, including master calendar, individual, and/or bond hearings, alongside a supervising legal representative.
• Conduct country research and draft country-conditions sections of filings.
• Participate in trainings and review legal materials to remain current on immigration law and policies.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

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