Summer 2027 Legal Internship, Family Defense Practice

Neighborhood Defender Service Inc • New York, NY

55d • Hybrid

About The Position

Neighborhood Defender Service (NDS) is seeking current second-year law students for our family defense summer internship in Manhattan and the Bronx. The Family Defense Practice at NDS represents parents in family policing cases (sometimes called “child welfare” cases) filed by the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) as well as related family court cases, including custody, visitation, and termination of parental rights proceedings. Through our holistic approach to representation, the Family Defense Practice provides parents with the help they need—both inside and outside of court—to keep their families safe and stable. Parents are represented not only by a high-quality attorney, but also social workers, litigation assistants, and parent advocates. NDS is committed to advancing due process rights for parents by fighting unwarranted state intervention in their lives and advocating for related systemic change. Our internship program is hybrid and runs for 10 weeks, typically from the first week of June through the first week of August. Interns will either be placed in our Manhattan or Bronx office, with opportunities to observe both boroughs and work out of our court offices and our Harlem-based office. Legal interns can expect to conduct legal research, write legal motions, assist in preparing for hearings and trials, work directly with clients, and appear on the record pursuant to the student practice order.

Requirements

• Current second-year law students
• Demonstrated commitment to family defense and social justice issues
• Energy, enthusiasm, and an unwavering commitment to clients
• Embrace our philosophy of client-centered, community-based, and holistic representation
• Submit a cover letter and resume by October 16, 2027

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and writing
• Court appearances
• Client interviews
• Precinct visits
• Witness interviews
• Investigation assistance
• Client visits at jails and juvenile detention facilities
• Participation in other activities that NDS staff undertakes on behalf of our clients

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: Associate degree