Safe Passage Project provides free legal services to over 1,600 immigrant youth in New York City and on Long Island. Free legal services are critical because there is no right to free representation in immigration courts. Having a lawyer can increase the odds of success from approximately 15% to over 80%.
Our staff attorneys directly represent clients as well as mentor pro bono volunteer attorneys who take on cases with Safe Passage Project. The most common forms of relief we seek for our clients are Special Immigrant Juvenile Status and asylum. We regularly practice before the NYC Immigration Courts, NY Family Courts, NY and NJ Asylum Offices, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
About the Role
Interns are an important and exciting addition to our diverse team of lawyers, paralegals, and social workers. Interns will be assigned to work with one or two staff members. Interns will have weekly check-in meetings and two designated feedback sessions with their supervisors. This is a remote internship; however, there are opportunities for in-person work, if desired. We will offer a comprehensive virtual orientation at the beginning of the summer and weekly virtual brown bag lunches with staff. Interns will work with clients in removal proceedings and seeking immigration benefits, such as Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, asylum, adjustment of status, and naturalization.
Responsibilities
Interns receive hands-on experience, including communicating with clients, interpreting for attorneys in client meetings, drafting affidavits, motions, and other legal documents, helping prepare legal filings, and observing court hearings. Interns also help develop case strategy, conduct legal research, review reports about country conditions, and participate in virtual legal screenings.
Qualifications
- Enrolled in an accredited law school.
- Open to giving and receiving feedback.
- Able to meet deadlines and communicate clearly with their supervisor(s).
- Able to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Spanish fluency is strongly preferred.
- An understanding of how to work with vulnerable populations using trauma-centered practices or a willingness to learn and incorporate such practices in their work.
Compensation
This is an unpaid internship. We encourage interns to secure outside funding and we will assist with the verification paperwork.
General Information
- Start date: Monday, June 1, 2026.
- Required virtual orientation on June 1 and June 2.
- Full-time (35/hours a week) commitment of at least eight weeks, with the option to intern up to ten weeks.
How to Apply
Visit https://www.safepassageproject.org/get-involved/#careers and click the “Learn More” link below the 2026 Summer Internship Program – Law Student Intern posting to submit your resume and cover letter. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until all open positions are filled.
Safe Passage Project is an equal opportunity employer. Women, people of color, LGBTQ people, veterans, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.