2027 Summer Intern - Child, Youth & Family Advocacy Project

About the role

To apply for a summer internship with the Child, Youth & Family Advocacy Project, you must be in your first or second year of law school. The Child, Youth & Family Advocacy Project at Public Counsel is an interdisciplinary team of attorneys, social workers, and advocates that address a variety of civil legal needs for children, youth, and their families. Our summer interns gain hands-on experience in both direct service and policy advocacy.

Teams and responsibilities

Adoptions

What do student interns do in Adoptions?

• Conduct client interviews remotely
• Identify gaps in services and/or benefits
• Analyze legal issues pertaining to foster children in dependency and adoption proceedings
• Assist attorneys on adoption and benefits cases
• Conduct research on legal issues
• Help draft advocacy materials for general distribution to adopting parents and/or pro bono attorneys

Guardianship

What do student interns do in Guardianship?

• Conduct client intake interviews at the Stanley Mosk courthouse in downtown Los Angeles on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
• Navigate the legal software used to complete the required legal forms
• Explain the relevant law and court procedures to pro per litigants
• Observe court hearings

Keeping Families Together / Preventive Legal Advocacy (PLA)

What do student interns do in PLA?

• Conduct intake interviews
• Evaluate the issues on each case
• Draft pleadings
• Conduct legal research to support direct services work and policy advocacy
• Assist the client directly in resolving issues, under attorney supervision
• Observe court hearings
• Appear in court if certified

Advocacy for Transition Age Youth (TAY)

What do student interns do in TAY?

• Conduct intake interviews with youth
• Evaluate the issues on each case
• Conduct legal research to support direct services work, impact litigation, and policy advocacy
• Assist the youth directly in resolving issues, under attorney supervision

Requirements

• Be in your first or second year of law school
• Submit a cover letter, resume, and a writing sample, all in PDF form (and a transcript, if available)
• Ensure your resume reflects the law school you are currently enrolled in