What are the responsibilities and job description for the Legal Internship (Summer 2026) position at Tahirih Justice Center?
Description
The Tahirih Justice Center is a national, nonprofit organization that supports immigrant survivors of gender-based violence seeking safety and justice. Our interdisciplinary model for service combines free legal and social services with bridge-building policy advocacy, and research-based training and education. We amplify the voices of survivors in communities, courts, and Congress to create a world where all people share equal rights and live in safety and with dignity.
We specialize in the representation of immigrant survivors of domestic violence, trafficking, and other violent crimes who seek immigration relief under the Violence Against Women Act and the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, as well as of refugees fleeing gender-based persecution who seek protection under U.S. asylum laws. Our legal advocacy includes both direct service to individuals and broader efforts to transform policies, develop regulations, and set precedent so that systemic change will ensure the long-term protection of individuals from violence due to their gender.
Duties and Responsibilities May Include:
- Client communication: assist attorneys with client communications and interviewing prospective clients
- Immigration court hearing preparation: assist attorneys with preparing for court hearings at Baltimore and Hyattsville Immigration Courts, such as with compiling trial binders, preparing requests for prosecutorial discretion, drafting and preparing motions, and observing court hearing if there is availability and interest.
- Asylum interview preparation: assist attorneys with preparing for asylum interviews at Arlington Asylum Office, such as collecting and compiling supplemental evidence, preparing filing submissions, and observing mock interview sessions with clients if there is availability and interest.
- Legal writing and research: with attorney supervision, draft legal documents such as client letters, client declarations, and briefs. Research country conditions for asylum, VAWA, and/or U visa/T visa cases.
- Administrative work: Process mail, maintain and update information in electronic case management systems and physical files.
- Opportunities may arise to participate in community outreach and/or advocacy work, if the intern is interested, but this would not be a major focus of the internship
Requirements
- Commitment to at least 30 hours per week in a hybrid environment, for an internship term of 10 weeks.
- Experience with working with trauma survivors, immigrants, refugees, children, or other similar vulnerable populations.
- Enrollment in accredited law school, excellent research, writing and analytical skills, commitment to or interest in public interest law.
- Enrollment in law school, excellent research, writing and analytical skills, commitment to or interest in public interest law.
- Language skills, particularly Spanish, highly desired but not required.
- Must work well independently and together with a team of attorneys/legal representatives, legal support staff, and social service professionals.
- Must be detail-oriented, well-organized, responsible, personable, and comfortable working with diverse populations from a variety of backgrounds.
- Previous experience in immigration law is required. This may include immigration law courses, immigration law clinics, volunteer experience, or previous employment.
Please note:
All interns must pass a background check and complete an in-depth training course on working with survivors of violence, learning Legal Server, and other subsequent trainings. All candidates must be able to work at least 30 hours per week for 10 weeks in a hybrid environment.
Compensation: A stipend of $5,000 is available.