Offer summary

Qualifications:

Enrollment in an accredited JD or LLM program., Strong organizational skills and attention to detail., Passion for immigration advocacy and protecting migrant rights., Fluency in Dari or Pashto is a plus, but not mandatory..

Key responsibilities:

Assist staff in client meetings, screenings, and intake interviews.

Draft and edit legal documents such as declarations and advocacy materials.

Prepare and file immigration forms including asylum and family reunification applications.

Participate in legal training, advocacy groups, and coalition discussions.

Job description

Legal Intern - Fall 2025

The withdrawal of the U.S. military from Afghanistan led to the arrival of tens of thousands of Afghans in the United States. In response, Human Rights First created Project: Afghan Legal Assistance (PALA) to coordinate U.S. legal organizations, law firms, resettlement agencies, and other stakeholders to provide legal representation for Afghans in the U.S. PALA is working to assist Afghans and their immigration attorneys navigate the complex processes for finding safety in the United States. PALA is looking for interns to support client and program services provided to the Afghan refugee population.

How will the intern make a difference in the Human Rights space through this internship?

Interns will gain valuable experience working with vulnerable populations, assist with their immigration applications before USCIS and the Immigration Court, and have an opportunity to be a part of a nation-wide coalition working on similar issues. Interns will be able to positively impact newly-arrived Afghans in helping secure them legal status and safety in the US, and assist them in petitioning for their family members to join them.

 

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Intern responsibilities include assisting staff members in meetings with clients, conducting screening and intake interviews with potential clients, and drafting case summaries.
Interns will work with staff at Human Rights First to draft and edit documents including declarations and other legal advocacy for asylum seekers to submit for review.
If the intern speaks a relevant second language fluently, interpretation may be involved and other duties and special projects as assigned.
Interns will assist with preparing and filing forms for Human Rights First’s clients, including asylum applications, family reunification petitions, and applications for permanent residency.
Interns will have opportunities to attend legal training, advocacy groups, coalition calls, and discussion panels

Desired Skills And Experience

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines at once
Excellent computer and online research skills, including familiarity with word processing and spreadsheet applications
Dedicated interest and passion for immigration advocacy and protecting the rights of migrants
Data management experience is an asset
Experience working with vulnerable populations and survivors of trauma
Ability to work collaboratively with staff, clients, and community organizations
Motivated to work independently/remotely
Initiative and enthusiasm
Dari/ Pashto fluency (reading and writing) is a plus, but not mandatory.
Previous immigration legal experience is an asset.

Education: Enrollment in an accredited JD or LLM program..

Compensation: Unpaid

Start Date: September 2, 2025

End Date: December 5, 2025

Time Commitment: 10-15 hours/week

Submission Deadline: July 28, 2025

Application Instructions: Cover Letter, Resume, Writing Sample, all in PDF.

Human Rights First is committed to recruiting, retaining, and developing staff from a diversity of backgrounds, including members of racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, people of all socioeconomic backgrounds, people of all nationalities, and veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. We believe that a diverse staff and an inclusive work environment that welcomes a range of perspectives make us stronger and more effective.

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