Carreras y prácticas

The Social Services Case Manager will work in partnership with Amica Center’s legal and social services staff to assist unaccompanied children in their removal defense cases and to provide critical social services for clients. This position engages with clients on a case-by-case, as needed basis, addressing and advocating for the client’s non-legal needs. This position will also support social services staff with administrative functions.

A Direct Representation Managing Attorney in the Detained Adult Program focuses on ensuring that program staff provide excellent and efficient services to clients, implementing long-term plans for the program, providing direct legal services to immigrant adults, and supervising junior staff with a focus on professional development.

An intaking paralegal supporting direct representation work in the Detained Adult Program focuses on (i) organizing and conducting intakes with individuals in detention and tracking their cases through placement, providing basic pro se resources where placement with an attorney is not possible; (ii) liaising with other legal service providers, offices of the public defender, community groups, government officials, and detention centers to ensure eligible residents can connect to our services; (iii) working with detained people and their attorneys throughout the course of removal proceedings, including assisting with paperwork and case preparation; and (iv) supporting the program’s provision of services as a whole, including through administrative tasks such as database maintenance and reporting to funders.

A Paralegal on the Children’s Program works collaboratively with legal and social services staff to:

• coordinate and participate in visits to detention centers for the purpose of conducting Know Your Rights presentations and legal screenings with detained children
• support attorneys in providing legal services to unaccompanied immigrant children, including assisting with paperwork and case preparation
• contribute to the program’s provision of services, including administrative tasks such as database maintenance and reporting to funders
• ensure clients receive high-quality, culturally competent legal services while detained and after release

The Senior Accountant is a full-time position, working directly with the Director of Finance to support the financial operations for the organization.

• Supervise and provide guidance to the senior finance coordinator to ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial records, including meeting all deadlines.
• In conjunction with the Director of Finance provide staff training in areas of budget development, budget management, fiscal accountability, and financial procedures.
• Perform the reconciliation of select Balance Sheet accounts monthly.
• Perform monthly contribution reconciliation with Development.

A Senior Attorney in the Children’s Program works collaboratively with staff and leadership to:

• Ensure clients receive high-quality, culturally competent legal services while detained and after release;
• Participate in visits to detention centers for the purpose of conducting legal intakes and Know Your Rights (KYR) presentations to detained children,
• Provide direct legal services to unaccompanied immigrant children;
• Mentor pro bono attorneys providing legal services to unaccompanied immigrant children;
• Supervise legal assistants, interns, and staff attorneys (depending on experience level); and
• Promote a team culture of equity and inclusion.

Un Abogado Senior en el Programa de Adultos Detenidos se centra en:

1. la prestación de servicios jurídicos directos, según un modelo de representación universal, a inmigrantes adultos internados en centros de Virginia y Maryland
2. la supervisión de los abogados de plantilla y de los asistentes jurídicos (incluyendo también la supervisión de los pasantes y becarios)
3. la tutoría de abogados pro bono

Este puesto tiene su base en nuestra oficina de Baltimore, Maryland, y trabajará principalmente con nuestro proyecto de representación universal/modelo de defensor público centrado en Maryland. Este proyecto proporciona representación legal a inmigrantes detenidos, independientemente de sus antecedentes penales y de su situación procesal en materia de inmigración.

Un Abogado del Programa de Menores trabaja en colaboración con el personal y la dirección para:

1. prestar servicios jurídicos directos de alta calidad y culturalmente competentes a los menores inmigrantes no acompañados detenidos y puestos en libertad
2. coordinar y llevar a cabo visitas a los centros de detención con el fin de llevar a cabo admisiones legales y presentaciones de “Conoce tus derechos” a los niños detenidos
3. tutorizar a abogados pro bono que presten servicios jurídicos a niños inmigrantes no acompañados
4. contribuir al éxito del programa, creando una cultura de colaboración y aprendizaje
5. promover una cultura de equidad e inclusión en el equipo

Un Abogado del Programa de Adultos Detenidos se centra en:

1. examinar a las personas para determinar si reúnen los requisitos para el programa y para la ayuda a la inmigración
2. gestionar un número de casos de servicios jurídicos directos a adultos inmigrantes retenidos en centros de Virginia, Maryland y fuera de la región del DMV
3. mantener actualizada la información sobre clientes y partes interesadas en la base de datos de la organización
4. abogar ante las partes interesadas y los representantes de la comunidad por los programas y los clientes
5. la tutoría de abogados pro bono

Amica Center for Immigrant Rights (formerly known as CAIR Coalition) is seeking law students with a passion for public interest law and immigrants’ rights to be part of our internship program for the Detained Adult Program (DAP). The Detained Adult Program works with hundreds of adults from Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia communities who are detained by ICE, providing information, support, and legal representation. We provide trauma-sensitive, client-centered services, and deeply value our clients’ autonomy as they navigate the fundamentally inhumane immigration system.  

We are currently accepting applications for Fall 2024. Our Fall Legal Internship Program requires a commitment of at least 15 hours a week for 10 weeks, starting on or about September 3, 2024 (Tuesday after Labor Day).  

Internships are unpaid. However, Amica Center will support students in seeking internship credit or funding from their law schools or outside programs. Students are also encouraged to apply to the Amica Center scholarship program.

Remote Work:   

To keep our internships accessible to all students regardless of geographic location, all Fall 2024 internships will be remote. We encourage applicants from local law schools, as well as those from outside the D.C. area, to apply. While there will be no requirement that interns conduct any in-person work during their internships, interns have the opportunity to appear in or observe court in-person if they are comfortable doing so. There will also be opportunities for occasional in-office work, in-person meetings, and events with staff and fellow interns. 

Description of Internship:  

Direct Rep Legal Interns working with the Detained Adult Program will have the opportunity to assist our staff in representing detained clients in their immigration proceedings. Examples of internship responsibilities include, but are not limited to:   

• Conducting legal research and writing in support of detained clients applying for relief before the immigration court; 

• Conducting individualized country conditions research and collection of primary evidence in support of detained clients applying for relief before the Immigration Court; 

• Assisting in the preparation and filing of applications for immigration relief; 

• Assisting with interpretation and translation, if possible; 

• Communicating with clients and their family members via telephone; 

• Attending court hearings and/or visiting clients in detention 

Amica Center is committed to ensuring that interns are able to work on a wide array of tasks and legal matters within the scope of Amica Center’s work.  

General Responsibilities:  

• Legal research and writing 

• Client service and communication 

• Evidence collection and assessment  

Qualifications:  

• Currently enrolled in law school;  

• Ability to commit at least 15 hours a week;  

• Strong interest in human rights, social justice, and immigration rights issues;  

• Excellent research and writing skills;  

• Ability to work independently and within a team;  

• Intellectually curious;  

• Willingness to work with individuals from low-income communities who might have criminal histories and/or mental health illnesses  

• Fluency in Spanish or a second language is preferred. 

Required Resources:  

Given the remote nature of this internship, all interns must also have access to:  

• A laptop or computer (*);  

• Reliable internet;  

• A phone.  

*Amica Center may be able to provide access to a temporary laptop as needed.  

 Please apply to ONLY ONE department within Amica Center. For example, if you apply for this internship with the Detained Adult Program, please do not also apply for an internship with the Immigration Impact Lab. Please choose the department that best matches your interest, skills, and experience.    

Application Process:  

To be considered for the internship, please fill out the application link below attach the following materials in .pdf format:   

1. A cover letter indicating your interest in the position. Please describe what experiences, personal or professional, have motivated you to apply.  
2. A resume;   
3. A list of at least 2 references; and  
4. A writing sample. In addition to legal memoranda and briefs, research papers and articles are accepted. Only one writing sample is required and preferred.   

Application Link: https://forms.gle/mwvzaUpL6fP5A5266

Deadline to Apply: Friday, July 26th

Amica Center for Immigrant Rights (formerly known as CAIR Coalition) is seeking law students with a passion for public interest law and immigrants’ rights to become part of our internship program for the Children’s Program. Legal Interns working with the Children’s Program will assist our staff with representing released and detained unaccompanied children.  

We are currently accepting applications for Fall 2024. Our Fall Internship Program requires a commitment of 15 hours per week for 10 weeks, starting on or about September 3, 2024 (Tuesday after Labor Day).  

Internships are unpaid. However, Amica Center will support students in seeking internship credit or funding from their law schools or outside programs. Students are also encouraged to apply to the Amica Center scholarship program.

Remote Work: 

To keep our internships accessible to all students regardless of geographic location, all Fall 2024 internships will be remote. We encourage applicants from local law schools, as well as those from outside the D.C. area, to apply.  

Representation of Detained Immigrants: 

Legal interns will assist Children’s Program attorneys in providing direct representation to released and detained minors seeking defenses against deportation. Intern tasks and responsibilities will vary term to term depending on the team and case needs at the time of internship. Examples of intern responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

• Conducting legal research; 

• Preparing motions, pleadings, complaints, and applications for relief; 

• Analyzing criminal, medical, and immigration records; 

• Conducting legal research to identify relief and writing placement memos for pro bono placement.  

• Making assessments for legal relief;  

• Contacting family members of potential clients 

Additionally, interns will have the opportunity to take part in team wide case rounds, legal trainings, and trainings related to working with immigrant children.  

Qualifications: 

• Currently enrolled in law school; 

• Ability to commit 15+ hours a week; 

• Spanish proficiency; 

• Ability to work independently and as part of team; 

• Ability to pass a background check; 

• Familiarity with immigration or family law is preferred, but not required; 

• Experience working in the area of immigration law and/or immigrants’ rights is a plus; 

• Ability to relate to and work with low-income clients with histories of trauma is a plus. 

Required Resources:  

Given the remote nature of this internship, all interns must also have access to:  

• A laptop or computer (*);  

• Reliable internet;  

• A phone.  

*Amica Center may be able to provide access to a temporary laptop as needed.  

Application Process:  

To be considered for the internship, please fill out the application link below attach the following materials in .pdf format:   

1. A cover letter indicating your interest in the position. Please describe what experiences, personal or professional, have motivated you to apply.  
2. A resume;   
3. A list of at least 2 references; and  
4. A writing sample. In addition to legal memoranda and briefs, research papers and articles are accepted. Only one writing sample is required and preferred.   

Application Link: https://forms.gle/mwvzaUpL6fP5A5266 

Deadline to Apply: Friday, July 26th 

Amica Center for Immigrant Rights (formerly CAIR Coalition) is seeking a law student with a passion for immigrants’ rights, litigation, and public interest law for a Fall Legal Internship with our Immigration Impact Lab. The Immigration Impact Lab is Amica Center’s appellate and federal litigation project. Through the Lab, Amica Center responds proactively to attacks on immigrants’ rights by bringing appeals and federal district court actions with the potential to improve laws applicable to the wider immigrant community. The Legal Intern will assist our staff with representing detained adult and child immigrants in appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals and the U.S. Courts of Appeal. The Legal Intern will also assist our staff with class action cases and habeas petitions in federal district court. 

We are currently accepting applications for Summer 2024. Our Summer Internship Program requires a commitment of at least 15 hours a week for 10 weeks, starting on or about September 3, 2024 (Tuesday after Labor Day). 

Applicants from historically underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. If relevant, please discuss in your application how your background motivates your interest in this position or otherwise affects your career goals. 

Internships are unpaid. However, Amica Center will support students in seeking internship credit or funding from their law schools or outside programs, and we are happy to assist interns interested in careers in public interest law by providing guidance and sharing our experiences. Students are also encouraged to apply to the Amica Center scholarship program.

Remote Work:   

To keep our internships accessible to all students regardless of geographic location, all Fall 2024 internships will be remote. We encourage applicants from local law schools, as well as those from outside the D.C. area, to apply. While there will be no requirement that interns conduct any in-person work during their internships, interns may have the opportunity to appear in or observe court in-person if they are comfortable doing so. There will also be opportunities for in-office work, in-person meetings, and events with staff and fellow interns.  

General Responsibilities: 

Appeals 

The Legal Intern may assist with all aspects of our ongoing appeals at the BIA and federal circuit courts related to asylum, the intersection of criminal and immigration law (“crimmigration”), and immigration detention, including conducting legal research and writing memoranda. 

Habeas Petitions 

The Legal Intern may assist with drafting habeas petitions to secure the release of detained immigrant adults, as well as preparing habeas cases for placement with pro bono partners. This assistance may include legal research, phone interviews with detained clients, evidence collection, and collaboration with community advocacy groups.  

Resources, Trainings, and Practice Advisories  

The Legal Intern may help Lab develop its website resources, conduct trainings, and/or draft practice advisories to support and educate attorneys who work with detained immigrants. This may include working on crimmigration case analyses to assist criminal defense attorneys in Virginia and Maryland or developing our index of nationwide habeas law.  

Qualifications: 

• Ability to commit a minimum of 15 hours a week 

• Strong legal research, communication, and writing skills 

• Strong organizational and time-management skills and willingness to work quickly and effectively with a team 

• Experience working in the area of immigration law, immigrants’ rights, or related fields 

• Competency in working with low-income adults and children with histories of trauma and/or previous interactions with the criminal justice system 

• Background in community organizing/political lobbying is a plus but not required 

• Spanish fluency preferred but not required. Fluency in other languages, such as French, Portuguese, or Arabic, is welcomed.  

Required Resources: 

• A laptop or computer (*); 

• Reliable internet; and 

• A phone 

*Amica Center may be able to provide access to a temporary laptop as needed.  

Please apply to ONLY ONE department within Amica Center. For example, if you apply for this internship with the Immigration Impact Lab, please do not also apply for an internship with the Detained Adult Program. Please choose the department that best matches your preference, skills, and experience.  

APPLICATION PROCESS: 

To be considered for the internship, please fill out the application link below and attach the following materials in .pdf format: 

1. A cover letter indicating your interest in the position. Please describe what experiences, personal or professional, have motivated you to apply. 
2. A resume;  
3. At least 2 references; and 
4. A writing sample. In addition to legal memoranda and briefs, research papers and articles are accepted. Only one writing sample is required and preferred.  

Application Link: https://forms.gle/mwvzaUpL6fP5A5266

DEADLINE TO APPLY: Friday, July 26, 2024. 

For any questions specific to the Lab internship position, please reach out to Kendra Blandon, kendra@amicacenter.org