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.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
• Intern responsibilities include assisting staff members in meeting with clients, conducting screening and intake interviews with potential clients, and drafting case summaries.
• Interns will work with staff at Human Rights First to draft and edit documents including, declarations and other legal advocacy for asylum seekers to submit for review.
• Interns will assist with updating and maintaining databases.
• Interns will monitor news and complete country condition research for analysis and reporting.
• If the intern speaks a relevant second language fluently, interpretation may be involved and other duties and special projects as assigned.
• Interns will assist with preparing and filing forms for Human Rights First’s clients, including asylum applications, family reunification petitions, and applications for permanent residency.
• Interns will have opportunities to attend legal trainings, advocacy groups, and discussion panels.
• Interns will assist with researching and maintaining lists for social services referrals.
Desired Skills And Experience
• 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; fluency in other languages is also a plus.
Education: Undergraduate, graduate, and/or recent graduate.
Compensation: Unpaid
Submission Deadline: March 20, 2026
Start Date: May 26, 2026
End Date: August 14, 2026
Time Commitment: 29 hours/week
Application Instructions: Cover Letter, Resume, Writing Sample, all in PDF.
Human Rights First is committed to recruiting, retaining, and developing staff from a diversity of backgrounds, including members of racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, people of all socioeconomic backgrounds, people of all nationalities, and veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. We believe that a diverse staff and an inclusive work environment that welcomes a range of perspectives make us stronger and more effective.
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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.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
• Intern responsibilities include assisting staff members in meeting with clients, conducting screening and intake interviews with potential clients, and drafting case summaries.
• Interns will work with staff at Human Rights First to draft and edit documents including, declarations and other legal advocacy for asylum seekers to submit for review.
• Interns will assist with updating and maintaining databases.
• Interns will monitor news and complete country condition research for analysis and reporting.
• If the intern speaks a relevant second language fluently, interpretation may be involved and other duties and special projects as assigned.
• Interns will assist with preparing and filing forms for Human Rights First’s clients, including asylum applications, family reunification petitions, and applications for permanent residency.
• Interns will have opportunities to attend legal trainings, advocacy groups, and discussion panels.
• Interns will assist with researching and maintaining lists for social services referrals.
Desired Skills And Experience
• 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; fluency in other languages is also a plus.
Education: Undergraduate, graduate, and/or recent graduate.
Compensation: Unpaid
Submission Deadline: March 20, 2026
Start Date: May 26, 2026
End Date: August 14, 2026
Time Commitment: 29 hours/week
Application Instructions: Cover Letter, Resume, Writing Sample, all in PDF.
Human Rights First is committed to recruiting, retaining, and developing staff from a diversity of backgrounds, including members of racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, people of all socioeconomic backgrounds, people of all nationalities, and veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. We believe that a diverse staff and an inclusive work environment that welcomes a range of perspectives make us stronger and more effective.
Apply tot his job
Apply To this Job