Intern, Domestic Violence & Family Law Unit
Since 1932, Legal Aid has provided civil legal assistance to clients in individual cases and engaged in systemic reform. Currently, we provide individual representation in consumer law, domestic violence/family law, housing, public benefits, and appellate matters. We also work on immigration matters and help individuals with the collateral consequences of their involvement with the criminal justice system. From the experiences of our clients, we identify opportunities for law reform, public policy advocacy, and systemic impact and appellate litigation.
Legal Aid believes that meaningful pursuit of our anti-poverty mission requires an unwavering commitment to racial justice and equity. We aspire both to reflect the rich racial diversity of the communities we serve and to value, respect, and empower our staff and clients to be effective agents of change. For more information about Legal Aid please visit our website, www.LegalAidDC.org.
This internship is for Fall 2024 and will be 12 weeks in duration. Interns at Legal Aid DC have the unique opportunity to receive substantive assignments that will have an immediate impact on our clients. Interns work out of Legal Aid’s offices in NW DC, with the option to perform some work remotely if approved by their supervisor. Fall interns should expect to work at least 12 hours per week. The intern will report to a Staff Attorney in the Domestic Violence & Family Law unit.
The DV/Family Law unit handles caseloads of Civil Protection Order, custody, child support, and divorce cases. We participate in community outreach, interview prospective clients, and engage in systemic reform efforts. The DV/Family Law unit primarily works out of our NW office but may also work out of or help staff one or more community offices: in NW at the DC Superior Courthouse, in SE at the “Big Chair” office complex in Anacostia, and the Child Support Resource Center and Family Law Assistance Network courthouse project offices at DC Superior Court.
Responsibilities:
- Learn about all substantive issue areas we handle (custody, divorce, child support, parentage, Civil Protection Orders)
- Shadow at court-based projects (the Domestic Violence Intake Center(s), Child Support Resource Center, and Family Law Assistance Network)
- Drafting motions and other filings
- Conducting legal research and writing memoranda
- Contacting existing clients to provide updates or obtain information
- Conducting intake interviews with new applicants
- Contacting potential witnesses
- Drafting hearing notes/trial materials (such as direct examinations, cross examinations, opening statements, or closing arguments)
- Reviewing and analyzing evidence
- Assist with trial preparation (organizing exhibits, etc.)
- Attending court hearings (including taking notes on testimony for attorneys)
Requirements: Current law school student or graduate interested in public interest and or domestic violence/family law.
To Apply:
Legal Aid values an inclusive, diverse workplace and encourages applications from interested persons from diverse backgrounds of any race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, personal appearance, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.
We strongly encourage applications from people with personal experience with the criminal justice system and/or with lived experiences in the communities we serve.
Submit your cover letter, resume, writing sample and transcript or letter of matriculation here. Applications will be accepted until July 5, 2024.