Intern, Domestic Violence & Family Law Unit (Spring)

Job Description

Job Description

Salary :

Since 1932, Legal Aid has provided civil legalassistanceto 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, weidentifyopportunities 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 forSpring 2026and will be12 weeksin duration.Interns at Legal Aid DC have the unique opportunity to receive substantive assignments that will have an immediate impact on our clients.Legal Aid will helpSpringsemester interns receive course credit for their internships.Interns work out of Legal Aids offices in NW DC, with theoptionto perform some work remotely if approved by their supervisor.Springinterns should expect to work at least 12 hours per week.The intern will report to aSeniorStaff Attorneyin the Domestic Violence & Family Law unit.

The DomesticViolence &Family Law unit handles caseloads of Civil Protection Order, custody, child support, and divorce cases. Weparticipatein community outreach,interview prospective clients, and engage in systemic reform efforts. The DV / FamilyLawunit primarily works out of our NW office but may also work out of orhelp staff one or morecommunity offices : Legal AidsSEofficeandthe Domestic Violence Intake CenterSEat the Big Chair office complex in Anacostia, and theDomestic Violence Intake Center NW,Child Support Resource Center,and Family Law Assistance Network courthouse project officesat DC Superior Court.

Responsibilities :

• Learn about all substantiveissue areaswe 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 provideupdates 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
• Assistwith trial preparation (organizing exhibits, etc.)
• Attending court hearings (including taking notes on testimony for attorneys)

Requirements : Current law schoolstudentorgraduateinterested in public interest andfamilylaw.

Scholarship Funding :

Interns will receive a scholarship of up to $2,585 for the12 weekinternship. Interns will not receive scholarship funding if they receive outside funding for theirinternshipor they are interning through a school program that precludes them from being paid.

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 application, cover letter, resume, writing sample and transcript or letter of matriculationhere. Applications will be accepted untilNovember 24, 2025.