About KIND:

Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) is a global leader in the protection of unaccompanied refugee and migrant children. Launched in 2008, KIND champions a world in which every child’s rights and well-being are protected throughout their journey to safety. KIND has accepted over 23,000 referrals of children seeking legal representation in their immigration proceedings. KIND has welcomed more than 41,000 attendees to trainings since its founding, cultivating partnerships with over 670 law firms, corporate legal departments, law schools, and bar associations across the country.

KIND’s social services program ensures that migrant and refugee children – who have often endured trauma – receive counseling, educational support, medical care, and other comprehensive services.

To address the root causes of child migration from Central America, and strengthen the protection of unaccompanied children, KIND advocates for policy changes and educates lawmakers, the media, and the broader public on the conditions that drive these children to flee their home countries. KIND supports children returning to their home countries by connecting them to essential support services and sponsors gender-based violence prevention programs in Central America to protect children in countries of origin and transit.

KIND is also building upon its expertise in the protection of unaccompanied children to encourage the development of pro bono initiatives across Europe in partnership with European NGOs.

Position Summary:

KIND seeks a Legal Intern, in the Los Angeles field office, for the Summersemester of 2024 (approximate dates are 5/28/2024 to 8/8/2024) to support the released and/or detained programs in providing pro bono legal representation to unaccompanied children in immigration court proceedings, and/or before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and/or state court proceedings. The exact hours and schedule will be discussed during interviews or prior to the start of the internship. The anticipated start date for this internship is May 28, 2024. KIND’s preference is for the intern to commit to 10 weeks for 30-40 hours. This internship is unpaid but may be pursued for academic credit. We are happy to assist with work-study and funding from external sources is welcomed.

Essential Functions:

• Supporting the direct representation of unaccompanied children: Prepare legal filings, such as motions, affidavits, briefs, and/or applications or petitions for relief including asylum; state court petitions in support of Special Immigration Juvenile Status (SIJS); SIJS petitions; U-visa petitions; T-visas applications; work authorization applications; and prepare for hearings or interviews before immigration court and/or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
• Client Engagement: Schedule legal screenings with prospective child clients, adult sponsors, and/or other agencies; observe and conduct legal screenings; draft case summaries and routine client correspondences.
• Legal Research: Research current trends in immigration and family law, other federal laws that may affect unaccompanied children, and country conditions; and draft memoranda of law.
• Case Management: Maintain case data management system through data entry, such as tracking court hearing dates and deadlines case activities, client communications, and case referrals
• Develop Sample Materials: Prepare and update sample USCIS and immigration court filings, training materials, pro bono guides, and practice advisories.
• Programmatic Support: Participate in special projects for KIND attorneys and staff.
• Translation and Interpretation: Interpret at client meetings or legal screenings; and translate documents, such as birth, marriage, death certificates, client correspondences, or other Spanish-written documents.
• Meetings: Attend weekly virtual staff meetings, legal trainings, and presentations, if available.
• Community Outreach: Present Know Your Rights presentations at resource fairs, schools, and in other community settings.

• Must be currently enrolled in an accredited JD or LLM program.
• Fluency in Spanish and English (oral and written).
• Exceptional academic credentials, strong writing skills, and attention to detail.
• Experience in immigration and family law is strongly preferred.
• Experience working with children and survivors of trauma is preferred.
• Must be passionate about issues affecting unaccompanied immigrant children.
• Ability to work within an office environment and have regular interaction via telephone, videoconference, IM, and email with KIND's team.

A laptop will be provided for this role.

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter online. Applications that do not contain all of the above-listed required materials will not be considered. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled, and applicants selected for interviews will be duly notified. Please no inquiries or phone calls.

Externship requirements – if you are planning to complete an externship for academic credit, please indicate this in your cover letter.

KIND requires all staff be COVID vaccinated with the exception of those who have medical or religious beliefs exemptions.

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter online. Applications that do not contain all of the above-listed required materials will not be considered. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled, and applicants selected for interviews will be duly notified. Please no inquiries or phone calls.

Externship requirements – if you are planning to complete an externship for academic credit, please indicate this in your cover letter.

KIND has an organization-wide commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We strive to create a work environment where everyone has a sense of belonging. Individuals from historically underrepresented or underserved communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Disclaimer: KIND is committed to an ethical recruitment and hiring process and maintains a firm “no fees” recruitment policy. We will never charge a fee or ask for money as part of the application process. KIND also conducts all interviews via telephone or video conference, and at no time will KIND engage in a text or mobile app-based application or interview process. For more information, please visit the following website: https://supportkind.org/join-the-team/kind-employment-practices/.