Public Interest Law Initiative Spring 2026 Intern LGBTQ Project
National Immigrant Justice Center
Posted 15 Nov 2026, 14:28 ET
This job at a glance
- Who can apply
- New grads and up to 1 year
- Must know
- Spring
- Work
- On-site in Chicago · internship
- Pay
- Not stated by the employer.
- Skill demand
- Spring5%of 99 similar entry-level jobs posted in the US this week
- Listed
- Nov 15, 2026 · still open
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About the Role
The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) advances human rights and due process for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. This is a Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI) Spring 2026 Intern position for the LGBTQ Project. The internship has a 200-hour requirement for the semester.
This position is hybrid, with applicants expected to work from the Chicago Loop office approximately two days per week, with additional time required for in-person client meetings.
Key Responsibilities
- Gain hands-on experience across a broad range of immigration matters, including asylum cases, removal defense, appeals, immigrant visa petitions, issues affecting unaccompanied immigrant children, and detained immigrant advocacy.
- Work closely with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds.
- May have opportunities to observe or participate in court proceedings.
- Engage in client preparation for asylum interviews and immigration court hearings, including evidence gathering, affidavit preparation, and country conditions research.
- Perform miscellaneous client contact.
- Conduct legal research to support evolving matters in the legal representation of immigrant youth.
- Be ready to work with youth of a variety of ages in a trauma-informed manner.
Requirements & Tech Stack
- Microsoft 365
- IT systems
Qualifications
- Currently enrolled in Law School.
- Demonstrated interest in immigration law.
- Fluency in a relevant second language is strongly preferred.
- Spanish proficiency is strongly preferred for regular communication with clients.
- Demonstrated problem-solving skills.
- Adaptability and flexibility.
- Collaboration and teamwork.
- Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
- Strong analytical skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and proactively solve problems.
- Strong organizational and multitasking skills with attention to detail.
NIJC encourages applications from individuals with lived experience in immigrant communities, members of marginalized communities, and those from groups underrepresented in the legal profession.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.