Public Interest Law Initiative Spring 2027 Intern LGBTQ Project

About the Role

National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) is seeking a PILI Law Student Intern for the Spring 2027 semester for the LGBTQ Immigrant Rights Initiative. This is a hybrid position requiring one day per week in the Chicago Loop office.

Job Summary

PILI Law Student Interns gain hands-on experience in immigration law, including asylum cases, removal defense, appeals, immigrant visa petitions, issues affecting unaccompanied immigrant children, and detained immigrant advocacy. Interns work with diverse clients and may observe or participate in court proceedings. Fluency in a relevant second language is strongly preferred. Applicants with a demonstrated interest in immigration law, including those with limited prior experience, are welcome. Individuals with lived experience in immigrant communities, members of marginalized communities, and those from groups underrepresented in the legal profession are particularly encouraged to apply.

LGBTQ Immigrant Rights Initiative

This initiative provides legal services to low-income immigrants who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ) and those living with HIV.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct intakes
• Draft client affidavits
• Conduct research related to client cases
• Draft legal briefs
• Prepare applications
• Communicate with clients
• Other tasks as assigned
• Opportunity to appear in immigration court and/or observe a hearing.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Hybrid position: one day per week required in the Chicago Loop office.
• 200-hour requirement for the semester.
• Experience working with trauma survivors.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Spanish fluency is preferred, though fluency in other languages will also be considered.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and IT systems.

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.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills with attention to detail.

Qualifications

• Education: Currently enrolled in Law School.
• Language Skills: Regular communication with clients in Spanish is required. Spanish proficiency is strongly preferred.

To Apply

Please include:

• Your resume
• 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.

Salary

• $17.05 per hour