Pro Bono Summer Intern — Public Interest Law

National Legal Aid & Defender Association; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 17,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Scholarship funding

Remote work option

Job summary

Legal Aid DC is seeking a Summer Intern for the Pro Bono Program for a 10-week period in Summer 2027, typically working full-time in our NW DC office with possible remote work approved by a supervisor. The internship offers meaningful, client‑facing assignments and exposure to civil legal issues.

Scholars may receive scholarship funding up to $6,440 for the summer through the Lee Horton Memorial Scholarship for Aspiring Public Interest Lawyers, with outside funding requirements noted.

Qualifications

• Summer law students are required to apply for outside funding to fund their internships in order to receive supplemental scholarship funding.
• Legal Aid DC can provide scholarship funding to ensure that summer law students receive no less than $6,440 per summer, including scholarships from the Lee Horton Memorial Scholarship for Aspiring Public Interest Lawyers.

Responsibilities

• Conduct initial telephone screening of individuals seeking legal assistance.
• Respond to written and email requests for assistance.
• Draft case summaries for circulation to prospective pro bono counsel.
• Meet with and interview clients.
• Assist attorneys in requesting and obtaining clients' records.
• Prepare case materials for referral to pro bono counsel or other legal services providers.
• Filing/copying documents at the DC Superior Court, the DC Court of Appeals, and various local agencies.
• Provide general administrative support.
• Attend program meetings, skills workshops, Legal Aid staff meetings.

Job description

Legal Aid DC is seeking a Summer Intern for the Pro Bono Program for a 10-week period in Summer 2027, typically working full-time in our NW DC office with possible remote work approved by a supervisor. The internship offers meaningful, client‑facing assignments and exposure to civil legal issues.

Scholars may receive scholarship funding up to $6,440 for the summer through the Lee Horton Memorial Scholarship for Aspiring Public Interest Lawyers, with outside funding requirements noted.