The Legal Intern for the Unaccompanied Children's Program ("UCP") will assist in the legal representation of unaccompanied children and in the ongoing development of a newly established program for unaccompanied immigrant children in the custody of the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement ("ORR"). May include supervisory and program management duties.
Duration: 6 months.
Time Commitment: 10 hours/week with flexibility to accommodate the intern's schedule. Requirement: The intern must be available to work from the HQ office once a week for 3-4 hours each day. Office Location: 475 Riverside Dr #700, New York, NY 10115.
About CWS
Imagine starting each day with the opportunity to make a tangible impact in someone's life, while advancing your career in meaningful ways. At CWS, our team transforms lives daily. Whether you're in our U.S. offices supporting refugees, asylees, or unaccompanied children; implementing life-changing hygiene initiatives in Cambodia; contributing to rebuilding efforts in Central America; or working remotely on vital fundraising campaigns, grant reporting, and impactful communications - joining CWS means contributing to a global mission. Together, we work towards a world where everyone has access to food, a voice, and a safe place to call home.
Responsibilities
Assist legal team in creating, implementing, and fine-tuning procedures for, and other aspects of, a new program serving children in ORR custody.
Assist legal team in organizing and systematizing procedures for future program expansion and uniformity.
Create training presentations (via PowerPoint) for anticipated legal staff additions.
Draft pleadings for guardianship petitions in family court.
Complete USCIS applications.
Prepare and file other documentation, including legal briefs and memoranda.
Conduct legal consultations with unaccompanied children to determine eligibility for legal immigration relief.
Prepare clients and other witnesses for testimony before state and local courts.
Appear on behalf of clients before EOIR and state and local courts, depending intern credentials (or availability thereof).
Assist in preparing and delivering (if cleared) Know Your Rights presentations to minors in ORR custody.
Conduct other legal and factual research as needed.
Work closely with paralegals and other members of the team on client representation and case management to ensure work quality and timeliness.
Fulfill other requests, including information requests, by staff and other legal service providers, as appropriate.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Law student in NY metro area.
Self-motivated, driven, and able to work independently.
Superior organizational skills (required).
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work within a client-led, trauma-informed framework.
One foreign language fluency (preferably Spanish, Arabic, or Haitian Creole) preferred, but not required.
Commitment to helping the migrant community, to diversity, equity and inclusion, and willingness to support CWS' Platform on Racial Justice.
Special Requirements
Direct Supervisor: Staff Attorney
The Staff Attorney oversees the intern's work, guiding them through tasks related to client representation, case management, and procedural development for the Unaccompanied Children's Program.
Benefits:
Career Experience: Hands-on training in immigration law and client advocacy.
Flexible Hours: A 10-hour weekly schedule tailored to balance other commitments.
Social Impact: Contribute meaningfully to the support of unaccompanied minors in ORR custody.
