Undergraduate Internship, Detained Adult Program - Direct Representation

Description

The Amica Center for Immigrant Rights is seeking law students with a passion for immigrants’ rights to be part of our internship program for the Detained Adult Program (DAP). The Detained Adult Program works with hundreds of adults from Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia communities who are detained by ICE, providing information, support, and legal representation. We provide trauma-sensitive, client-centered services, and deeply value our clients’ autonomy as they navigate the fundamentally inhumane immigration system.

We are currently accepting applications for Fall 2026. Our Spring Legal Internship Program asks for a commitment of 15-20 hours a week for 10 weeks, starting on or about Monday, August 31, 2026.

Internships are unpaid; however, Amica Center can assist students seeking internship credit. There is also a limited number of small scholarship stipends available by separate application. More information on our scholarship fund and the application instructions is available here: https://amicacenter.org/join-the-fight/careers-internships/

Remote Work:

To keep our internships accessible to all students regardless of geographic location, all Fall 2026 internships will be remote as a default. We encourage applicants from local law schools, as well as those from outside the D.C. area, to apply. While there will be no requirement that interns conduct any in-person work during their internships, interns have the opportunity to appear in or observe court in-person if they are comfortable doing so. There will also be opportunities for occasional in-office work, in-person meetings, and events with staff and fellow interns.

DESCRIPTION OF INTERNSHIP:

Direct Rep Legal Interns working with the Detained Adult Program will have the opportunity to assist our staff in representing detained clients in their immigration proceedings. Examples of internship responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Conducting legal research and writing in support of detained clients applying for relief before the immigration court; 
• Conducting individualized country conditions research and collection of primary evidence in support of detained clients applying for relief before the Immigration Court; 
• Assisting in the preparation and filing of applications for immigration relief; 
• Assistance with legal research and case preparation for habeas corpus relief in federal courts; 
• Assisting with interpretation and translation, if possible; 
• Communicating with clients and their family members via telephone; 
• Attending court hearings and/or visiting clients in detention 

Amica Center is committed to ensuring that interns are able to work on a wide array of tasks and legal matters within the scope of Amica Center’s work.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITES:

• Legal research and writing
• Client service and communication
• Evidence collection and assessment

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Currently enrolled in law school;
• Ability to commit 15-20 hours a week;
• Strong interest in human rights, social justice, and immigration rights issues;
• Excellent research and writing skills;
• Ability to work independently and within a team;
• Intellectually curious;
• Willingness to work with individuals from low-income communities who might have criminal histories and/or mental health illnesses
• Fluency in Spanish or a second language is strongly preferred.

REQUIRED RESOURCES:

Given the remote nature of this internship, all interns must also have access to:

• A laptop or computer (*);
• Reliable internet;
• A phone.

*Amica Center may be able to provide access to a temporary laptop.

Please apply to ONLY ONE department within Amica Center. For example, if you apply for this internship with the Detained Adult Program, please do not also apply for an internship with the Immigration Impact Lab. Please choose the department that best matches your interest, skills, and experience.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

To be considered for the internship, please fill out the application form and attach the following materials in .pdf format:

1. A cover letter indicating your interest in the position. Please describe what experiences, personal or professional, motivated you to apply.  
2. A resume;
3. A list of at least 2 references; and
4. A writing sample. In addition to legal memoranda and briefs, research papers and articles are accepted. Only one writing sample is required and preferred.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Interviews may be scheduled and offers given before the deadline, so please apply as soon as you are able.

Requirements

See above.