What are the responsibilities and job description for the Program Performance Intern (Spring 2026) position at Legal Services Corporation?
Location: Washington, DC 20006
Department: Office of Program Performance (OPP)
Employment Status: Part-Time | Unpaid | Hybrid | DC-Metro Area Only
OVERVIEW:
Established by Congress in 1974, the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) is the country’s single largest funder of civil legal aid for low-income Americans. LSC currently funds independent legal aid offices nationwide. LSC’s mission is to promote equal access to justice and provide grants for high-quality civil legal assistance to low-income Americans.
LSC’s Office of Program Performance (OPP) ensures that grantees deliver high-quality legal services by overseeing performance reviews, administering grants, and developing strategies to improve service delivery. OPP also manages specialized grant programs like the Pro Bono Innovation Fund, which encourages creative and impactful pro bono legal services models.
The internships are based in Washington, DC, and will require working from an office in DC in accordance with LSC’s hybrid work model. The successful candidates must live in the DC metropolitan area for the duration of the internship.
BASIC FUNCTION:
WHY JOIN US?
Please note: Due to the current funding environment and broader political shifts impacting our resources, we’ve had to make the difficult decision to pause all paid internships until further notice.
However, we remain deeply committed to supporting emerging professionals through unpaid, educational internships that deliver real-world experience, professional development, and connections in the legal and nonprofit sectors. If applicable, we’re happy to provide documentation to support academic credit.
Although this internship is unpaid, here’s what you'll gain:
- Hands-on experience in communications, public affairs, and messaging
- Opportunities to write, edit, and contribute to national outreach efforts
- Valuable connections within the legal and nonprofit policy space
- Mentorship and personalized feedback from experienced public affairs professionals
- A chance to make an impact in the pursuit of justice and equity
The internship is expected to run from September through December 2025, with interns working between 15 to 20 hours per week on a part-time basis.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN & DO:
As a Public Affairs Intern, you will experience the dynamic world of nonprofit communications and government engagement. This is a fantastic opportunity to deepen your understanding of how storytelling and advocacy advance a mission.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Assist with coordination of grant review processes and materials
- Review and help assess funding applications
- Support data collection and reporting using Smartsheet and Excel
- Conduct research on legal aid delivery, grantees, and innovative pro bono models
- Draft and edit documents, reports, and templates
- Maintain organized electronic files and records
- Perform other duties as assigned
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:
We are accepting applications from current undergraduate, graduate, and law students, as well as recent graduates of post-secondary institutions.
The ideal applicant must be:
- Dependable, self-motivated, and intellectually curious
- Strong writers with attention to detail and research skills
- Skilled in Microsoft Office (especially Excel) and comfortable learning new tools
- Able to manage time effectively and handle multiple projects
- Passionate about public service, legal access, and innovation
- Bonus: Experience with Smartsheet or data management tools!
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Please apply directly on our website at: www.tinyurl.com/applytoLSC. A cover letter and résumé must be included. To have your application considered, please answer all application questions and provide all requested information.
Note: If you need reasonable accommodations in the application process, please notify the Office of Human Resources at jobapplicant@lsc.gov.
OUR COMMITMENT:
We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone feels a sense of connection and purpose. We believe our differences drive excellence, and we strive to create an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their whole self to work. Together, we are building a community grounded in openness and trust—one that provides opportunities for all team members to grow, thrive, and contribute toward advancing LSC's mission.
LSC is an equal-opportunity employer.