Jobs and Careers
KI
Spring Legal Intern
Kids in Need of DefenseUnited StatesinternshipVerifiedPosted 8 Dec 2023
About the role
About KIND:
Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) is a global leader in the protection of unaccompanied refugee and migrant children. Launched in 2008, KIND champions a world in which every child’s rights and well-being are protected throughout their journey to safety. KIND has accepted over 23,000 referrals of children seeking legal representation in their immigration proceedings. KIND has welcomed more than 41,000 attendees to trainings since its founding, cultivating partnerships with over 670 law firms, corporate legal departments, law schools, and bar associations across the country.
KIND’s social services program ensures that migrant and refugee children – who have often endured trauma – receive counseling, educational support, medical care, and other comprehensive services.
To address the root causes of child migration from Central America, and strengthen the protection of unaccompanied children, KIND advocates for policy changes and educates lawmakers, the media, and the broader public on the conditions that drive these children to flee their home countries. KIND supports children returning to their home countries by connecting them to essential support services and sponsors gender-based violence prevention programs in Central America to protect children in countries of origin and transit.
KIND is also building upon its expertise in the protection of unaccompanied children to encourage the development of pro bono initiatives across Europe in partnership with European NGOs.
Position Summary:
KIND seeks interns to assist KIND’s Baltimore office in developing, maintaining, and overseeing the in-house and pro bono legal representation of unaccompanied children. We are seeking part-time candidates (approximately 20 hours per week) for an internship during the Spring 2024 semester. The start date is January 16, 2024, and a commitment of 12-15 weeks is preferred. This internship is unpaid but may be pursued for academic credit.
Applications, including a cover letter and resume, should be submitted online. Applications that do not contain all the above-listed required materials will not be considered. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled, and applicants selected for interviews will be duly notified. Please no inquiries or phone calls.
Externship requirements – if you are planning to complete an externship for academic credit, please indicate this in your cover letter.
KIND requires all staff be COVID vaccinated with the exception of those who have medical or religious beliefs exemptions.
Application Instructions:
Please be advised that an employment application will need to be submitted along with your resume and cover letter, in order to be considered for the desired role.
KIND has an organization-wide commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We strive to create a work environment where everyone has a sense of belonging. Individuals from historically underrepresented or underserved communities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Disclaimer: KIND is committed to an et
Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) is a global leader in the protection of unaccompanied refugee and migrant children. Launched in 2008, KIND champions a world in which every child’s rights and well-being are protected throughout their journey to safety. KIND has accepted over 23,000 referrals of children seeking legal representation in their immigration proceedings. KIND has welcomed more than 41,000 attendees to trainings since its founding, cultivating partnerships with over 670 law firms, corporate legal departments, law schools, and bar associations across the country.
KIND’s social services program ensures that migrant and refugee children – who have often endured trauma – receive counseling, educational support, medical care, and other comprehensive services.
To address the root causes of child migration from Central America, and strengthen the protection of unaccompanied children, KIND advocates for policy changes and educates lawmakers, the media, and the broader public on the conditions that drive these children to flee their home countries. KIND supports children returning to their home countries by connecting them to essential support services and sponsors gender-based violence prevention programs in Central America to protect children in countries of origin and transit.
KIND is also building upon its expertise in the protection of unaccompanied children to encourage the development of pro bono initiatives across Europe in partnership with European NGOs.
Position Summary:
KIND seeks interns to assist KIND’s Baltimore office in developing, maintaining, and overseeing the in-house and pro bono legal representation of unaccompanied children. We are seeking part-time candidates (approximately 20 hours per week) for an internship during the Spring 2024 semester. The start date is January 16, 2024, and a commitment of 12-15 weeks is preferred. This internship is unpaid but may be pursued for academic credit.
Essential Functions:
- Legal Screening: Assist with screening unaccompanied minor children, including liaising with referring legal service providers, scheduling, and communicating with the child client and adult sponsor, drafting the post-intake case summary, and presenting the case summary to KIND staff to assess for legal relief.
- Preparation of Filings: Help draft and edit filings for clients represented in house by KIND staff, including asylum applications, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status petitions, and state court filings.
- Case Management: Update case summaries, track important court dates and deadlines, process referrals, and communicate with clients.
- Research: Research country conditions and psycho-social services to support case work and clients.
- Community Outreach: Assist with community outreach initiatives such as Know Your Rights presentations and resource fairs.
- Programmatic Support: Complete special projects for KIND attorneys and staff, as needed.
- Meetings: Attend weekly virtual staff meetings, legal trainings, and presentations, if available.
- Translation and Interpretation: If fluent in Spanish, assist with phone calls to clients, interpreting for client meetings, and translating documents.
Qualifications and Requirements:
- Currently enrolled in an accredited Juris Doctor or LLM program.
- Professional fluency in Spanish preferred, though not required.
- Experience and interest in working with children, immigrant communities and/or victims of trauma preferred.
- Strong writing skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work within a remote office environment and have regular interaction via telephone, videoconference, IM, and email with KIND's team.
Applications, including a cover letter and resume, should be submitted online. Applications that do not contain all the above-listed required materials will not be considered. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled, and applicants selected for interviews will be duly notified. Please no inquiries or phone calls.
Externship requirements – if you are planning to complete an externship for academic credit, please indicate this in your cover letter.
KIND requires all staff be COVID vaccinated with the exception of those who have medical or religious beliefs exemptions.
Application Instructions:
Please be advised that an employment application will need to be submitted along with your resume and cover letter, in order to be considered for the desired role.
KIND has an organization-wide commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We strive to create a work environment where everyone has a sense of belonging. Individuals from historically underrepresented or underserved communities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Disclaimer: KIND is committed to an et
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