Legal Externship – Children’s Legal Services (Summer 2026)

About the role

The Children’s Legal Services (CLS) Legal Externship offers a summer 2026 opportunity to support attorneys serving unaccompanied youth in U.S. immigration proceedings. Working under supervision, the extern will engage directly with vulnerable clients and assist on a range of humanitarian immigration applications.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct client interviews, follow‑up meetings, and maintain clear communications.
• Perform factual, legal, and country‑conditions research to support asylum, SIJS, T‑visa, and U‑visa applications.
• Draft personal declarations, immigration applications, legal cover letters, briefs, and court motions.
• Assist attorneys in preparing for immigration court hearings and state custody/guardianship proceedings.
• Monitor case status, record client notes in the case‑management system, and manage document filing.
• Adhere to IRC confidentiality and privacy policies while demonstrating cultural sensitivity.

Required profile

• Solutions‑driven, passionate change‑maker interested in humanitarian and immigration law.
• Willingness to work under attorney supervision and engage directly with vulnerable youth.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to handle confidential information responsibly.

Required skills

What we offer

• Hands‑on experience with immigration law and humanitarian relief processes.
• Opportunity to contribute to a leading international humanitarian organization.
• Professional mentorship from experienced CLS attorneys.