Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI) Fall Intern NIJC

This position can be hybrid or remote About NIJC The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) advances human rights and due process for immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers through direct legal services, impact litigation, advocacy, and public education. Headquartered in Chicago with offices in Washington, DC, Indiana, and San Diego, NIJC's team of over 100 attorneys, paralegals, and professionals, along with 2,000 pro bono attorneys, is at the forefront of immigration reform. Job Summary : PILI Interns and Fellows work on a wide variety of cases, including asylum applications and hearings, deportation hearings and appeals, immigrant visa petitions, issues related to unaccompanied immigrant children, detained immigrant assistance , and related matters. Interns and Fellows work closely with clients from many different countries and cultures and may have the opportunity to appear in court. Fluency in a relevant second language is strongly preferred. NIJC strongly encourages applications from people with lived experiences in immigrant communities, members of marginalized communities, and individuals from communities that are underrepresented in the legal profession. Individuals with a significant interest in immigration issues but with limited prior experience will be strongly considered. 2026 Fall Internships NIJC is approved to host two law student interns during the Fall 2026 semester, one with the LGBTQ Immigrant Rights Initiative and one with the Counter Trafficking Project. When applying please indicate if you are interested in the LGBTQ Immigrant Rights Initiative, the Counter Trafficking Project, or both projects . LGBTQ Immigrant Rights Initiative : The LGBTQ Immigrant Rights Initiative provides legal services to low-income immigrants who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ) and those who are living with HIV. The intern will support the LGBTQ project's legal services by conducting intakes, drafting client affidavits , conducting research related to client cases, drafting legal briefs, preparing applications, communicating with clients, and other tasks as assigned. The intern may have an opportunity to appear in immigration court and/or to observe a hearing. Spanish fluency is preferred, though fluency is other languages will also be considered. Experience working with trauma survivors and the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines is critical. Counter-Trafficking Project : The Counter-Trafficking Project provides immigration legal services to survivors of labor and sex trafficking. Interns will work directly with trafficking survivors in completing applications for T visas and adjustment of status. This may include screening clients for eligibility, drafting client affidavits , filing out USCIS forms, gathering country conditions and secondary sources to support filings, communicating with clients, drafting legal briefs, and other tasks as assigned. Immigration Court Helpdesk : NIJC's Immigration Court Helpdesk provides free legal orientations and limited services to individuals who are unrepresented in removal proceedings before the Chicago and Indianapolis Immigration Courts. The internship will include meeting with respondents, preparing applications and other immigration filings, and assisting in-person at the Chicago Immigration Court Helpdesk. Skills & Competencies: Demonstrated p roblem-solving skills Adaptability and flexibility Collaboration and teamwork Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Ability to work independently and proactively solve problems Qualifications: Education: Currently enrolled in Law School Language Skills : This position requires regular communication with clients in Spanish. Fluency in spoken and written Spanish is required . Strong organizational and multitasking skills with attention to detail Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and IT systems To Apply p lease Include: Your resume A brief cover letter that highlights your interest in this role, why the work resonates with you, and any experience that connects to NIJC's mission and the responsibilities of the position. Physical Abilities S tatement: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must be able to remain in a stationary position for 50% of the time. This position occasionally requires moving about the inside of the office to access filing cabinets, office machinery, etc. Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a copy machine. It is the policy of NIJC not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire . For any technical issues please contact [email protected]