Job Description

Non-Legal Intern - Fall 2026 The NY office of Human Rights First seeks motivated non-legal interns for the Fall 2026 semester to assist in providing pro bono non-legal representation to asylum seekers before the Asylum Offices and Immigration Courts in the New York and New Jersey area. Interns will have the opportunity to work directly with clients on interviewing and document drafting and collaborate with attorneys on case strategy. Opportunities to work on direct representation cases include non‑legal strategy, forms completion, advocacy, non‑legal research, and brief writing, among other tasks. Human Rights First is dedicated to inclusivity and will assist interns with externship credit, work‑study, or securing funding from external sources. This position is unpaid, will support mostly the NY team of HRF and may be performed remotely. A computer and internet connection are required for this position. People of color, women, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBT community are encouraged to apply. Non‑legal interns meaningfully contribute to the Refugee Representation program, which provides non‑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. Through direct engagement with refugees, non‑legal interns assist in the furtherance of clients’ cases, applying their non‑legal skills to the furtherance of human rights. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Engage in client interviewing, conduct screening interviews with potential clients, and draft case summaries. Work with Human Rights First staff on asylum cases, providing support with country conditions and other non‑legal advocacy efforts. Assist with updating and maintaining databases. Conduct non‑legal research in developing areas of immigration law and country conditions for analysis and reporting. Attend non‑legal trainings, advocacy groups, and discussion panels in the greater NY/NJ area and virtually. Desired Skills and Experiences Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and creative problem‑solving skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines at once. Non‑legal research and writing skills, particularly in immigration law, administrative law, federal law, and federal regulations. Dedicated interest and passion for immigration advocacy, direct client representation, 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 to manage multiple tasks and deadlines. Fluency in a second language, particularly Spanish, is a plus. Education, Compensation, and Application Details Education: Enrollment in an undergraduate bachelor’s degree program. Compensation: Unpaid. Submission Deadline: July 24, 2026. Start Date: September 8, 2026. End Date: December 11, 2026. Time Commitment: 15‑20 hours/week. Application Instructions: Cover Letter, Resume, Writing Sample (no more than 5 pages). 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr

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