Intern

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The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC), a program of Heartland Alliance for Human Needs and Human Rights in Chicago, Illinois, offers internships to law students and undergraduates to work in its legal services programs.  Internships present an excellent opportunity to learn more about U.S. immigration law and policies while making a difference in the lives of low-income and impoverished individuals who are in need of legal representation.

NIJC has garnered a national reputation for providing quality legal services and advocacy for low-income immigrants, refugees, and asylum-seekers.  NIJC’s trainings, publications, and technical assistance reach a diverse constituency of pro bono lawyers, non-profit community groups, policymakers, and government officials.  NIJC’s office is located in downtown Chicago.

In general, a legal internship may include the following activities:

  • Interview clients telephonically and in person to collect factual information related to their cases;
  • Input case-related information into client database;
  • Prepare case summaries and legal documents and materials;
  • Conduct follow-up interviews with clients throughout the case preparation process; and
  • Assist with case management and social services procurement.

NIJC seeks interns for each of the following programs:

> Detention, Democracy and Due Process
> Immigrant Children's Protection
> Immigrant Legal Defense
> Immigration Policy
> Litigation
> LGBT Immigrant Rights Initiative
> The Jeanne and Joseph Sullivan Project for Protection of Asylum Seekers


In addition, NIJC seeks interns for the following non-legal positions:

Development and Operations - This position presents an excellent opportunity for a student to learn about the general workings of a non-profit organization, particularly the coordination of individual gifts and special events.  Each year, NIJC hosts the Midwest Light of Human Rights Awards to provide critical financial support for its legal services programs.  Over the past decade, Midwest Light has become one of the largest and most unique annual events in Chicago, bringing together prominent attorneys, business leaders, legislators, and advocates to celebrate those who strive to protect fundamental human rights.  The 2011 event welcomed more than 750 guests and garnered support from dozens of leading firms and corporations.  In general, this internship may include the following activities:

  • Work with Executive Director and NIJC's development team to produce content that will reach a broad range of supporters;
  • Manage donor correspondence;
  • Assist with meeting preparation, including board meetings and event planning committee meetings; and
  • Support NIJC's 13th Annual Midwest Light of Human Rights Awards preparation.  This may include preparing sponsorship materials, identifying in-kind supporters, coordinating mass mailings, and directing volunteers at the event.

New Media - This position is designed for a motivated self-starter with experience in maintaing accurate database information and a track record of pushing organizations or institutions towards innovative approaches to data management.  The selected candidate will play a key role in developing NIJC's ever-expanding and dynamic group of supporters.  Database and creative software experience is preferred.  Knowledge of the Salsa platform is a plus.  In general, this internship may include the following activities:

  • Manage contact database;
  • Work collaboratively with legal, communications, and development teams to ensure consistent use of accurate data;
  • Research and draft content for NIJC's blog; and
  • Participate in program and communications strategy.


All applications must include a cover letter, resume, contact information for two (2) references, and a brief writing sample (3-5 pages on the topic of your choice).  If you are able to send an unofficial transcript, please do so.  Recent graduates may apply, and all projects will consider undergraduate applications.  Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. 

Due to the volume of applications, we are only able to contact those selected for interviews.  No phone calls, please.

Candidates do not need to submit a separate application for each NIJC project.  Please list all projects of interest to you in a cover letter.  Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled, although we encourage interested candidates to apply early. 

Please submit completed applications to Nick Wallace at nwallace@heartlandalliance.org.