Legal Intern/Extern – U.S. Litigation

International Refugee Assistance Project

. Conduct intake interviews and identify client needs for litigation purposes .

Posted 10/19/2026internshipRemote • New York • United StatesEntry Level💰 $17 per hourWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates strong research, writing, and analytical skills essential for litigation support, along with proficiency in Google Workspace. Exhibits sensitivity to diverse client backgrounds and a strong interest in immigration law and human rights.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Strong Research SkillsLegal Writing ProficiencyInterpersonal CommunicationClient Empowerment SensitivityInterest In Immigration Law

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Legal ResearchDrafting AffidavitsCite-CheckingFactual ResearchAnalytical Skills

Soft Skills

Strong Communication SkillsInitiativeMultitasking Ability

Tools & Technologies

Google Workspace

Certifications & Qualifications

J.D. Program Enrollment

Industry Keywords

LitigationRefugee ProcessingHuman RightsImmigration LawClient Needs Assessment

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Conduct intake interviews and identify client needs for litigation purposes
Explain litigation and draft affidavits
Conduct factual and legal research supporting ongoing or planned litigation
Provide research memos to the team
Participate in litigation efforts, including preparing litigation documents and cite-checking
Work with IRAP’s U.S. Litigation department as a summer intern or extern

Requirements

What you’ll need

Must be a rising 2L or 3L enrolled in a J.D. program in the United States
Rising 3Ls strongly preferred
Strong research, writing, and analytical skills
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Sensitivity to client empowerment and working with clients of all backgrounds, including LGBTI clients, survivors of trauma, and other vulnerable populations
Initiative to see projects through and ability to multitask
Proficiency in Google Workspace
Excellent English communication skills required
Ability to speak Arabic, Dari, Farsi, Somali, Pashto, Kurdish, or Spanish is a plus
Strong interest in refugee processing, immigration law, and human rights
Full-time availability for a 10-week commitment
Intern applicants must have work authorization in the United States; externship candidates may apply regardless of work authorization status
Application requires a cover letter, resume, brief legal writing sample, and 2–3 professional references

Benefits

Comp & perks

Paid compensation of $17 per hour, or the intern’s state minimum wage, for 40 hours per week if paid by IRAP
Public interest funding from law schools encouraged before IRAP payment
Non-compensated externship for academic credit(s)
Remote work
Option to work from IRAP’s New York City office space
Equal-opportunity workplace
Consideration of qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable Fair Chance Act requirements