Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI) Spring 2027 Intern Children's Project

This position is hybrid and applicants should expect to work from our Chicago Loop office approximately two days per week; more to attend in-person client meetings.

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 Law Student Interns gain hands-on experience across a broad range of immigration matters, including asylum cases, removal defense, appeals, immigrant visa petitions, issues affecting unaccompanied immigrant children, and detained immigrant advocacy. Interns work closely with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds and may have opportunities to observe or participate in court proceedings. Fluency in a relevant second language is strongly preferred. We welcome applicants with a demonstrated interest in immigration law, including those with limited prior experience. We particularly encourage applications from individuals with lived experience in immigrant communities, members of marginalized communities, and those from groups underrepresented in the legal profession.

This internship has a 200 hour requirement for the semester.

2027 Spring Internship

NIJC is approved to host a law student intern during the Spring 2027 semester for the Children's Protection Project.

The Children's Protection Project provides representation to immigrant youth before USCIS and the immigration court. The majority of our clients are unaccompanied children who were previously released from government shelters to sponsors in our service area. Our team focuses on asylum and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, in addition to other forms of humanitarian immigration relief. Interns will engage in client preparation for asylum interviews and immigration court hearings, including evidence gathering, affidavit preparation, country conditions research; miscellaneous client contact; and legal research to support evolving matters in the legal representation of immigrant youth. Applicants should be ready to work with youth of a variety of ages and in a trauma-informed manner.

Skills & Competencies:

• Demonstrated problem-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. Spanish proficiecy is strongly preferred.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills with attention to detail
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and IT systems

To Apply please Include:

1. Your resume
2. 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 Statement:

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 recruiting@immigrantjustice.org