Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI)Summer Intern 2027 Detention Team

National Immigrant Justice Center; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) seeks a Summer 2027 law student intern for the Detention Project in the Midwest region. The role involves intake interviews, legal assessments, and preparing immigration filings under supervision.

Fluency in Spanish is strongly preferred to support detained clients. The intern will gain hands-on experience across immigration matters, with a 300-hour summer requirement and collaborative work within a national nonprofit.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in law school.
• Spanish proficiency strongly preferred; regular client communications in Spanish.
• Strong organization and multitasking with attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and IT systems.

Responsibilities

• Conduct intake interviews with detained non-citizens and family members.
• Present intake for legal assessment.
• Prepare immigration cases for filing with supervising attorney.
• Prepare affidavits and indexes; gather supporting documents.
• Prepare for and appear at hearings before EOIR with supervising attorney.
• Conduct country research and draft country-conditions sections of filings.
• Participate in trainings and review legal materials to stay current on immigration law.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Problem solving

Adaptability

Teamwork

Time management

Analytical skills

Communication

Independent work

Education

Law School enrollment

Tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

This is a hybrid position with 1 day per week required in the Chicago Loop office.

About NIJC

The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) advances human rights and due process for immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers through direct legal services, impact litigation, advocacy, and public education. Headquartered in Chicago with offices in Washington, DC, Indiana, and San Diego, NIJC's team of over 100 attorneys, paralegals, and professionals, along with 2,000 pro bono attorneys, is at the forefront of immigration reform.

Job Summary

PILI Law Student Interns gain hands‑on experience across a broad range of immigration matters. Fluency in a relevant second language is strongly preferred. We welcome applicants with a demonstrated interest in immigration law, including those with limited prior experience. We particularly encourage applications from individuals with lived experience in immigrant communities, members of marginalized communities, and those from groups underrepresented in the legal profession.

2027 Summer Internship

NIJC is approved to host a law student intern for Summer 2027 semester for the Detention Team.

The NIJC Detention Project provides legal orientation, screening, and representation for immigrant adults held in ICE detention facilities across the Midwest, including Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Kentucky.

The detention project summer intern will primarily focus on the following:

• Conduct intake interviews with detained non-citizens and their family members;
• Present intake interviews for legal assessment;
• Prepare immigration cases for filing with supervising legal representative;
• Prepare affidavits and indexes; gather supporting documents;
• Prepare for and appear at hearings before the Executive Office for Immigration Review, including master calendar; hearings, individual hearings, and/or bond hearings alongside supervising legal representative;
• Conduct country research and draft country conditions sections of filings;
• Participate in trainings and review legal materials to remain current on immigration law, policies;
• Any other related duties as assigned.

This intership has a 300 hour requirement for the summer.

Skills & Competencies

• Demonstrated problem-solving skills
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and proactively solve problems

Qualifications

• Education: Currently enrolled in Law School
• Language Skills: This position requires regular communication with clients in Spanish. Spanish proficiency is strongly preferred.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills with attention to detail
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and IT systems

Physical Abilities Statement

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for 50% of the time.
• This position occasionally requires moving about the inside of the office to access filing cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a copy machine.

It is the policy of NIJC not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire

For any technical issues please contact [e-mail]

Salary: $17.05 per hour