Law Student Summer Internship

ABOUT LAS AMERICAS IMMIGRANT ADVOCACY CENTER

Las Americas is a nationally recognized organization at the forefront of immigrant rights dedicated to assisting individuals with high quality legal services, advocacy, and support in the borderland communities surrounding El Paso, Texas and southern New Mexico. Since its founding in 1987 by the visionary co-founders of Annunciation House, Las Americas has served over 50,000 persons from over 100 different countries, while advocating for a robust asylum system, fair and humane immigration policies, family unity and community safety. 

MEETING THE MOMENT

Las Americas is at a key inflection point in its organizational history. The demand for high quality legal services for immigrants is at an all time high.. To meet this challenge, we are seeking a Summer Law Student Fellow to support our team of attorneys and accredited representatives during a ten-week internship in our offices in El Paso, Texas. Ideal candidates will have a strong academic record, a passion for social justice and human rights, and an interest in gaining real-world experience in immigration law and advocacy. 

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Summer Law Student Intern will be responsible for managing a varied docket of detained and non-detained clients who are seeking the opportunity to remain safely in the U.S. Individuals who are eager to gain hands-on experience in creative and trauma-informed lawyering, movement building, court advocacy, and direct legal services are encouraged to apply. Responsibilities include detention center visits, intakes, legal research and writing, client advocacy and accompaniment, as well as preparing and supporting staff in court.  

REQUIREMENTS

The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational skills, the ability to collaborate with people of diverse backgrounds, experience with direct client assistance, and a passion for accompanying individuals in need. The summer legal fellowship is an excellent opportunity to leverage law school coursework with real world experience on the US/Mexico border. The internship is also designed to provide interns with substantive and practical skills in legal advocacy and representation. Preference for applicants from underrepresented backgrounds and with proficiency in Spanish. 

Compensation

Fellows are required to secure outside academic or institutional funding. Las Americas can support and work with you to apply for financial assistance. 

Application Instructions

Please submit a resume and cover letter via Bamboo.