Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI)Summer Intern 2027 Detention Team

This is a hybrid position with 1 day per week required in the Chicago Loop office.

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. 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.

2027 Summer Internship

NIJC is approved to host a law student intern for Summer 2027 semester for the Detention Team. 

The NIJC Detention Project provides legal orientation, screening, and representation for immigrant adults held in ICE detention facilities across the Midwest, including Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Kentucky.

The detention project summer intern will primarily focus on the following:

• Conduct intake interviews with detained non-citizens and their family members;
• Present intake interviews for legal assessment;
• Prepare immigration cases for filing with supervising legal representative;
• Prepare affidavits and indexes; gather supporting documents;
• Prepare for and appear at hearings before the Executive Office for Immigration Review, including master calendar; hearings, individual hearings, and/or bond hearings alongside supervising legal representative;
• Conduct country research and draft country conditions sections of filings;
• Participate in trainings and review legal materials to remain current on immigration law, policies;
• Any other related duties as assigned.

This intership has a 300 hour requirement for the summer.

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 proficiency 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