The Children’s Legal Services (CLS) program in New Jersey provides legal representation to unaccompanied children. To be eligible for services, unaccompanied children must be under the age of 18 at the time they enter the CLS program, have no immigration status, and, at the same time, have been officially designated as an unaccompanied child by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). We help them understand the immigration systems, prepare them for hearings, evaluate and advise them on the types of immigration applications they can file, and assist them with preparing their filings. Many cases will also involve hearings in New Jersey state court, and we provide preparation and representation for those hearings as well.  

This is an unpaid internship but may be pursued for academic credit. If you are planning to obtain academic credit through the position, please indicate this in your cover letter. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:  

Perform research on immigration issues and country conditions. Prepare legal motions, affidavits, briefs, petitions, and applications 

Support in building and fostering relationships with clients by being part of client meetings. 

Maintain case data management systems through data entry, such as tracking court hearings, deadlines for case activities, and client communications. 

Partake in online immigration law trainings and webinars.  

Assist in tapping into other IRC NJ programs to get additional support for clients when needed, such as educational resources, etc. 

COMMITMENT: 10-16 hours per week for 12 weeks. Hybrid schedule.   

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:  

Intern will gain exposure and understand various immigration processes and reliefs available to unaccompanied children.  

Intern will gain exposure to New Jersey family court and procedures.  

Intern will learn how to manage client cases within established deadlines. 

Intern will develop problem solving skills, client services skills, and intercultural social work skills.  

Minimum Qualifications: 

PREFERRED:  

Fluency in Spanish preferred but not required.  

Equivalent work experience working with children and or serving low-to-moderate income immigrant populations (including refugees, asylum seekers, etc.)

REQUIREMENTS:  

Must be currently enrolled in an accredited JD or LLM program. 

Deep commitment to immigrant rights. 

Motivated, flexible, manages time effectively, and can work independently as well as within a team dynamic. 

IRC orientation and full background check (Live Scan & HireRight) required.  

IRC leading the way From Harm to Home.