Legal Internship (Spring 2026)

The Tahirih Justice Center is a national, nonprofit organization that advocates for immigrant survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and trafficking seeking safety and justice. Our interdisciplinary model for service combines free legal and social services with bridge-building policy advocacy, and research-based training and education. We amplify the voices of survivors in communities, courts, and Congress to create a world where all people share equal rights and live in safety and with dignity.

We specialize in the representation of immigrant survivors who seek immigration relief under the Violence Against Women Act and the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, as well as of refugees fleeing gender-based persecution and torture who seek protection under U.S. asylum laws. Our legal advocacy includes both direct service to individuals and broader efforts to transform policies, develop regulations, and set precedent so that systemic change will ensure the long-term protection of individuals from violence due to their gender.

Duties and Responsibilities May Include :

• Client communication : assist attorneys with client communications and interviewing prospective clients
• Immigration court hearing preparation : assist attorneys with preparing for court hearings at Baltimore and Hyattsville Immigration Courts, such as with compiling trial binders, preparing requests for prosecutorial discretion, drafting and preparing motions, and observing court hearing if there is availability and interest.
• Asylum interview preparation : assist attorneys with preparing for asylum interviews at Arlington Asylum Office, such as collecting and compiling supplemental evidence, preparing filing submissions, and observing mock interview sessions with clients if there is availability and interest.
• Legal writing and research : with attorney supervision, draft legal documents such as client letters, client declarations, legal memoranda, and briefs. Research country conditions for asylum, VAWA, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, and / or U visa / T visa cases.
• Administrative work : Process mail, maintain and update information in electronic case management systems and physical files.

Requirements

Preferred But Not Required :

Please note : All interns must pass a background check and complete an in-depth onboarding on working with survivors of violence, learning Legal Server, and other subsequent trainings. All candidates must be able to commit 15 hours per week for an internship of at least 10 weeks, not including school holidays. We welcome applicants supported by public interest stipends, but if a stipend cannot be secured, Tahirih may be able to pay a small stipend. Applicants are also welcome to apply for this internship even if their law school only allows them to do so for school credit.

Tahirih Justice Center is committed to equal opportunity and promotes equity and transparency as core values. Tahirih practices inclusiveness in decision making through the use of consultation with employees throughout the organization. Tahirih does not discriminate against any person on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, ability, gender, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, arrest record or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. Applicants committed to equity from all backgrounds, experiences, abilities and identities are encouraged to apply.