Law Reform Legal Intern – Spring 2027
About the role
The law reform units of the Legal Aid Society (LAS) offer internships for law school students to participate in impact litigation and policy initiatives that address systemic issues facing LAS clients. Interns will be assigned to one of the following law reform units based on their preferences and organizational needs:
- Special Litigation Unit
- Prisoners’ Rights Project
- Incarcerated Client Services Unit
- Decarceration 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
Each unit engages in impact litigation, policy reform, coalition building, and public education strategies to address novel legal issues arising from LAS’s direct services work.
Responsibilities
- Legal research, factual research, and client interviewing
- Participating in discovery and trial practice as opportunities arise
- Contributing to legal papers, policy memos, or legislative testimony
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
- Interest in working on issues affecting the rights of LAS clients, particularly tailored to the unit(s) prioritized by the applicant
- Excellent research, writing, and communication skills
- Ability to analyze complex legal and policy issues
- Initiative to see projects through to completion
- Commitment to racial and social justice
Pay
As an intern position, this role has no salary.
Benefits
Interns who meet the eligibility criteria may receive a $1,000 stipend from the Howard Rossbach fund. The stipend is awarded through a lottery system to support 4‑5 interns annually who demonstrate financial need and lack funding for their internship at LAS. The stipend is treated as taxable income.
- Be enrolled as a degree‑seeking undergraduate or graduate student at any accredited institution
- Ultimately be accepted to participate in an internship program at LAS
- Demonstrate financial need
- Lack funding for their internship