What are the responsibilities and job description for the Summer Law Internship in Child Welfare position at Defender Association of Philadelphia?
Summer Law Internship in Child Welfare
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.
What You’ll Do
Our summer program is designed for 2nd year law students with a real interest in children’s issues, child welfare system and juvenile justice. This experience offers broad exposure to the practical applications of child welfare law with two different tracks. Most of our interns will work collaboratively with supervising attorneys and social workers on specific cases. We also have an opportunity for a law student interested in child welfare policy to work with our Policy Director of Child Advocacy. Interns will participate in comprehensive training and received individualized supervision and mentoring. Interns will get direct, hands-on experience with advocacy, legal research, court observation, client interviewing, home/placement visits, crisis intervention, negotiation, and case management.
What You’ll Need
- Be a current law student in good standing – only 2Ls and rising 3L 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
- Relevant clinical program or work experience, preferred
For students interested in a Policy Internship, you should demonstrate:
- A strong interest in policy
- Some knowledge of the child welfare system
- Ability to research and analyze federal, state, and local policy regarding children and youth
- Ability to write legislative impact reports and policy updates clearly and concisely
- Willingness to attend policy and system provider meetings in person and/or via the Web.
- Ability to work independently and/or collaboratively
To Apply:
Please apply online with a cover letter addressing interest and experience in children’s issues/juvenile justice and resume to phillydefender.org/careers. For additional questions, contact Sharene Ginyard, Esq. at sginyard@philadefender.org or Mimi Laver, Esq. at mlaver@philadefender.org Given the robust nature of these internships, we have a limited number of spots so they can be competitive.
Who is the Defender?
The Defender Association of Philadelphia is more than just a law firm. We’re the community’s lawyers. Our mission-driven, client-centered model focuses on outcomes that support a system that is fundamentally fair and creates safer, stronger communities. Our unique model and approach give our staff with the skills and support they need to get the best outcomes for our clients. Many former Defenders go on in their careers to serve as judges, state and federal officials, and successful private practitioners. Come join our team! Come join our team! For more information, go Defender’s Child Advocacy Unit and follow us @PhillyDefenders (Twitter, IG, Tiktok) and on LinkedIn.
The Defender Association provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, The Defender Association complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training