Legal Intern – Summer 2026
About the position
Legal Intern – Summer 2026 The Los Angeles office of Human Rights First seeks motivated non-legal interns for the Summer 2026 semester to assist in providing general support. We are looking for currently enrolled graduate or undergraduate students who have a strong interest in commitment to human rights, are fluent in Spanish, want to work on behalf of asylum-seekers, and possess excellent organization and communication skills. This position is unpaid and will support the Los Angeles area and may be performed remotely. A computer and internet connection are required for this position. Interns will attain professional experience in legal analysis and engage with a diverse range of clients. People of color, women, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBT+ community are encouraged to apply. How will the intern make a difference in the Human Rights space through this internship? Non-legal interns meaningfully contribute to the Refugee Representation program, which provides legal assistance to asylum seekers who cannot afford an attorney and need help with a claim for asylum or other humanitarian-based forms of immigration relief. Interns actively engage in furthering Human Rights First mission of working in the United States to promote respect for human rights and the rule of law. Non-Legal interns provide important assistance to attorneys and clients.
Responsibilities
• Assisting staff members in meeting with clients
• Conducting screening and intake interviews with potential clients
• Drafting case summaries
• Drafting and edit documents including, declarations and other legal advocacy for asylum seekers to submit for review
• Assisting with updating and maintaining databases
• Monitoring news and complete country condition research for analysis and reporting
• Interpretation may be involved if the intern speaks a relevant second language fluently
• Assisting with preparing and filing forms for Human Rights First’s clients, including asylum applications, family reunification petitions, and applications for permanent residency
• Attending legal trainings, advocacy groups, and discussion panels
• Assisting with researching and maintaining lists for social services referrals
Requirements
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines at once
• Excellent computer and online research skills, including familiarity with word processing and spreadsheet applications
• Dedicated interest and passion for immigration advocacy and protecting the rights of migrants
• Experience working with vulnerable populations and survivors of trauma
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, clients, and community organizations
• Motivated to work independently/remotely
• Initiative and enthusiasm
• Spanish fluency (reading and writing) required
• Undergraduate, graduate, and/or recent graduate
Nice-to-haves
• fluency in other languages is also a plus
Apply tot his job
Apply To this Job
Legal Intern – Summer 2026 The Los Angeles office of Human Rights First seeks motivated non-legal interns for the Summer 2026 semester to assist in providing general support. We are looking for currently enrolled graduate or undergraduate students who have a strong interest in commitment to human rights, are fluent in Spanish, want to work on behalf of asylum-seekers, and possess excellent organization and communication skills. This position is unpaid and will support the Los Angeles area and may be performed remotely. A computer and internet connection are required for this position. Interns will attain professional experience in legal analysis and engage with a diverse range of clients. People of color, women, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBT+ community are encouraged to apply. How will the intern make a difference in the Human Rights space through this internship? Non-legal interns meaningfully contribute to the Refugee Representation program, which provides legal assistance to asylum seekers who cannot afford an attorney and need help with a claim for asylum or other humanitarian-based forms of immigration relief. Interns actively engage in furthering Human Rights First mission of working in the United States to promote respect for human rights and the rule of law. Non-Legal interns provide important assistance to attorneys and clients.
Responsibilities
• Assisting staff members in meeting with clients
• Conducting screening and intake interviews with potential clients
• Drafting case summaries
• Drafting and edit documents including, declarations and other legal advocacy for asylum seekers to submit for review
• Assisting with updating and maintaining databases
• Monitoring news and complete country condition research for analysis and reporting
• Interpretation may be involved if the intern speaks a relevant second language fluently
• Assisting with preparing and filing forms for Human Rights First’s clients, including asylum applications, family reunification petitions, and applications for permanent residency
• Attending legal trainings, advocacy groups, and discussion panels
• Assisting with researching and maintaining lists for social services referrals
Requirements
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines at once
• Excellent computer and online research skills, including familiarity with word processing and spreadsheet applications
• Dedicated interest and passion for immigration advocacy and protecting the rights of migrants
• Experience working with vulnerable populations and survivors of trauma
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, clients, and community organizations
• Motivated to work independently/remotely
• Initiative and enthusiasm
• Spanish fluency (reading and writing) required
• Undergraduate, graduate, and/or recent graduate
Nice-to-haves
• fluency in other languages is also a plus
Apply tot his job
Apply To this Job