Job Title: Law Reform Legal Intern - Fall 2025
Job Responsibilities:
The Law Reform Legal Intern position offers law school students the opportunity to engage in the Legal Aid Society's pioneering work on impact litigation and policy initiatives aimed at addressing systemic issues faced by Legal Aid's clients. Interns are assigned to one of several specialized units, each engaging in impact litigation, policy reform, coalition building, and public education strategies. These units include:
- Criminal Defense Law Reform Team, which comprises:
- Special Litigation Unit (including the Cop Accountability Project)
- Prisoners’ Rights Project
- Incarcerated Client Services Unit
- Law Reform Unit of the Civil Practice (including Homeless Rights Unit)
- Special Litigation and Law Reform Unit of the Juvenile Rights Practice
- LGBTQ+ Law and Policy Initiative Unit
Interns will participate in various aspects of the law reform work, depending on the specific needs of the assigned unit. Responsibilities may include:
- Conducting legal and factual research
- Client interviewing
- Participating in discovery and trial practice as opportunities arise
- Contributing to legal papers, policy memos, or legislative testimony
- Other tasks as required by the unit
Interns will be matched to units based on their preferences and the organization's needs. Applicants are advised to review the organization's website for detailed descriptions of each unit's work and specify their unit preferences in their application.
Education and Experience Information:
- Applicants must be 2L and 3L law students in good standing.
- A demonstrated interest in working on issues affecting the rights of Legal Aid’s clients, particularly those aligned with the applicant's prioritized unit(s).
- Strong research, writing, and communication skills.
- The ability to analyze complex legal and policy issues.
- Initiative to see projects through to completion.
- A commitment to racial and social justice.
Salary Information:
As an intern position, this role does not offer a salary. However, interns who meet specific eligibility criteria may receive a $1,000 stipend from the Howard Rossbach Fund. This stipend is awarded through a lottery system to 4-5 interns annually who demonstrate financial need and lack funding for their internship. To be eligible for the stipend, interns must:
- Be enrolled as a degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate student at an accredited institution.
- Complete the Howard Rossbach Internship Stipend Form when submitting their internship application.
- Be accepted into an internship program at the organization.
- Demonstrate financial need and lack of funding for the internship.
- Submit a statement reflecting a strong interest in working at Legal Aid upon graduation.
Application Process:
Applications must be completed online through the organization's Careers Page. Required documents include a cover letter, resume, and identification of one or more Law Reform Units of interest. Applications are considered on a rolling basis, so early application is encouraged. Selected interns will be notified prior to the start of their internships, and the stipend, if awarded, will be treated as taxable income.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
The organization is committed to a work culture of zealous advocacy, respect, diversity, inclusion, client-oriented defense, access to justice, and excellent representation. It prohibits discriminatory employment actions and treatment based on various protected characteristics, ensuring an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants.
Required Documents:
Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume as a single combined PDF via the organization's Recruitment Portal. The cover letter should clearly identify the Law Reform Units of interest. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, and applicants will be notified about their selection for an interview.
