Legal Services Intern chez American Friends Service Committee (AFSC)

The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) is a Quaker faith-based global organization that promotes lasting peace with justice as a practical expression of faith in action. Drawing on continuing spiritual insights and working with people of diverse backgrounds, we nurture the seeds of change and respect for human life that transform social relations and systems.

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POSITION DESCRIPTION

TITLE:                                                             Legal Services Intern

JOB CATEGORY:                                           Non-Exempt (Hourly)

STATUS:                                                         Part-Time, 35 hours per week for 10 weeks (May – August 2026)

TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT:                            Temporary

DIRECT SUPERVISOR:                                 Managing Attorney, IRP

REGION/UNIT:                                             US/Northeast

LOCATION:                                                   Newark, NJ, USA              Hybrid

APPLICATION DEADLINE:                         March 2, 2026

For consideration, please attach your Cover Letter and Resume to the online application in addition to answering the Application Questions.

GENERAL SUMMARY OF POSITION

The Legal Services Intern will work with and under the supervision of AFSC staff to conduct intakes with immigrants for eligibility for humanitarian and family-based forms of immigration relief; provide critical support in detained and/or non-detained removal defense cases; prepare applications for submission to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS); assist with legal research and writing; and work with clients to gather information and documents needed in support of their immigration cases.  The internship will offer the opportunity to observe and participate in immigration court proceedings, as well as USCIS interviews.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS / RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Assist in or conduct legal screenings to determine eligibility for immigration benefits such as asylum, withholding of removal, protection under the Convention against Torture, cancellation of removal, VAWA, U Visa, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, or other immigration relief.  
• Research legal issues and country conditions in support of the cases of AFSC
• Draft briefs and legal memoranda.  
• Gather documentation and assist with case preparation.   
• Translate documents or assist with interpretation, as necessary. 
• Participate in legal team and other AFSC meetings.  
• Meet regularly with a supervisor.
• Regular attendance and punctuality are required.
• Operates safely in all conditions and follows policies and procedures.
• Other duties and projects as assigned.

SUPERVISORY / MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS

NA

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Undergraduate's degree required.   
• Current enrollment in an accredited law school required.
• Fluency in Spanish language preferred. 
• Ability to work evenings and/or weekends and to travel, as required.
• Ability to work effectively independently and within a team environment.
• Experience with standard Microsoft Office and related technology.
• Must be capable of working under tight time constraints in a high-volume environment with multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to work and communicate with diverse staff.
• Respect for Quaker values and testimonies. Knowledgeable and supportive of the principles and philosophy of the American Friends Service Committee including non-violence and the belief in the intrinsic worth of every individual.
• Respect for and sensitivity to cultural, ethnic, racial, gender and religious diversity and familiarity with non-violent approaches to problem solving.
• Ability to organize, plan ahead and prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated dedication to the principles of fairness, equity and inclusion in regard to issues of race, class, nationality, religion, age, gender and sexual orientation, and disabilities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

COMPENSATION

The AFSC offers a competitive Total Rewards package.  This position is Non-Exempt. Salary Family: Legal. Job Code Intern. This is an unpaid internship. There are no medical, dental, or life insurance benefits, short-term or long-term insurance benefits with this position. AFSC does participate in unemployment, worker’s compensation, and social security.

The American Friends Service Committee provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.  The policy applies to all terms and conditions or employment including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. 

AFSC’s Central Office and some of its offices in the U.S. are unionized workplaces. This position is not represented.

AFSC maintains a deep commitment to a mandate of care for our staff and communities.  The American Friends Service Committee is a smoke-free workplace. 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This position is an at-will employment, meaning that the employment relationship can be terminated by either the employer or the employee at any time, for any reason, with or without notice.  In addition position duties and expectations change over time.  This job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive, exclusive or exhaustive list of the job functions that an employee in this position may be asked to perform from time to time.  The employee may perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. If there is ever a time that you are unsure what is expected of you, you are expected to meet with your manager and ask questions. If you are unsure how to perform a certain task, ask your manager before performing.