Summer Law Internship in Child Welfare

Defender Association of Philadelphia • Philadelphia, PA

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About The Position

The Defender Association of Philadelphia offers law students a rich and exciting summer internship program from the end of May into August 2026 in our Child Advocacy Unit (CAU). This Unit provides legal representation for dependent children, from newborn to 21 years of age, in matters involving allegations of physical and sexual abuse, neglect, abandonment, truancy and incorrigibility as well as in adoption proceedings. In keeping with the mandates of the Juvenile Act, while we protect and promote the legal interests of these children, we also strive to serve their best interests. A multidisciplinary team of attorneys and social workers assess the needs and welfare of each child, and then make recommendations to the Court to ensure our clients’ safety and to achieve permanency for our clients in a loving and supportive home environment.

Requirements

• Be a current law student in good standing – only 2Ls and rising 3Ls can apply.
• Interest and commitment to children’s issues and juvenile justice.
• Experience or interest in serving racially and socioeconomically oppressed clients and communities.
• Ability to deal effectively with children, adolescents, and family members.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a high-volume practice.

Nice To Haves

• Relevant clinical program or work experience, preferred.

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with supervising attorneys and social workers on specific cases.
• Participate in comprehensive training and receive individualized supervision and mentoring.
• Gain direct, hands-on experience with advocacy, legal research, court observation, client interviewing, home/placement visits, crisis intervention, negotiation, and case management.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed