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This is a comprehensive FAQ section, comprising of questions about International Justice Mission in general as well as category specific questions.

FAQ Categories

Casework
Careers
Fundraising
Fellowships & Internships
Giving to IJM
Last Updated ( Friday, 30 May 2008 )
 
 

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Casework

What does IJM mean by "collaborative casework"?
IJM investigators, lawyers and social workers intervene in individual cases of abuse in partnership with state and local authorities in the countries in which they work. Working independently of government authorities is not an effective long-term strategy to ensure that the poor are protected from oppressors. Rather, a functioning government is the best hope for lasting change that protects the poor from oppression.

Often, abuse against vulnerable individuals persists because of weaknesses in a country’s justice system. By pushing individual cases of abuse through the justice system from the investigative stage to the prosecutorial stage, IJM determines the specific source of corruption, lack of resources, or lack of good will in the system denying victims the protection of their legal systems. In collaboration with local authorities, IJM addresses these specific points of brokenness to meet the urgent needs of victims of injustice.
What does IJM mean by “structural prevention"?
IJM seeks to impact the structures that allow abuse to occur in order to create lasting change, protecting vulnerable individuals from future victimization.

IJM pursues structural prevention by reducing the vulnerability of at-risk populations and providing training that empowers local authorities to stop abuse in their jurisdictions. IJM works in local communities to build social demand for professional, responsive law enforcement and judicial systems as well as build the capacity of those agencies to respond to injustice.

Pursuing perpetrator accountability also creates a strong deterrent effect for future abuse: Most perpetrators of injustice against the poor do so because they believe they will not be held accountable for their actions. Perpetrators who choose to victimize the poor simply because it appears that they can are not brave people. Even a small number of convictions can have a large impact on reducing oppression, as would-be perpetrators adjust their behavior when the likelihood of being brought to justice and facing a potential jail sentence becomes too high.
Where does IJM work?
IJM currently has ongoing operations in Thailand, Cambodia, the Philippines, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Rwanda, Guatemala, Bolivia, Honduras, Peru and South Asia.

IJM is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and is supported by affiliate offices in the U.K. and Canada.
Does IJM take casework in the United States?
IJM does not take casework in the United State, due to its mission of making under-functioning public justice systems work for the poor in the developing world.

Though injustice certainly exists in the United States, Americans (and citizens of other countries in the developed world) benefit from a mature legal system that generally provides effective redress for abuse. This is not the case for IJM’s clients in the developing world.
Why is IJM not active in all countries where human rights abuses occur?
IJM’s efforts to fight injustice are primarily limited by its financial resources. However, in certain countries, government or legal structures do not currently make IJM’s casework methods feasible. IJM’s casework model of repairing broken justice systems does not work in the absence of any justice system – this prevents IJM from being most effective in war zones, for example. However, there are many other excellent NGOs that do courageous and valuable work in such situations.
What is IJM’s relationship with local governments and NGOs?
IJM is a non-partisan, non-governmental, 501(c)3 organization. IJM operates with the governmental approval and acknowledgment in all countries in which it is active, depending on local government and NGO partners to work successfully.
What happens to a victim after IJM intervenes in their case?
IJM partners with other local organizations and government agencies to ensure that the victims are provided with the care they need in the aftermath of abuse. Examples include:

» Homes for girls rescued from commercial sexual exploitation when they are unable to return to their families;
» Micro-enterprise opportunities for adults released from bonded slavery so that they can support themselves;
» Post-trauma counseling for victims of sexual violence; and
» Post-incarceration counseling for victims of illegal detention.
I am an attorney and would like to help with the work of IJM. What can I do?
Although IJM's casework usually requires specialized legal and investigative skills, we often encounter projects that are ideal for volunteer professional assistance. Read more about volunteer and employment opportunities here. In the past, IJM has received pro bono assistance from law firms willing to contribute their services for casework. For more information on having your law firm partner with IJM in casework, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it with your contact information, the name of your firm, and your firm's areas of expertise.
Do American attorneys represent clients in court in overseas?
In most of the countries where IJM works, American attorneys cannot represent clients in court. IJM employees who are members of that country’s Bar Association advocate on behalf of the victims.

Over 90% of IJM’s staff around the world are nationals of the countries in which they work, sensitive to the particular needs of their communities.
Can I interview an IJM staff member?
IJM staff are available for media interviews, but due to high demand, we are generally unable to provide interviews for student research projects or general information about the work.
You are a faith-based organization. What does that mean?
In the tradition of abolitionist William Wilberforce and transformational leaders like Mother Theresa and Martin Luther King, Jr., IJM’s work is founded on the Christian call to justice articulated in the Bible (Isaiah 1:17): Seek justice, protect the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow. IJM’s staff members are Christians from a variety of traditions who are motivated by this call to seek justice for the oppressed. We find strength and encouragement in sharing a spiritual life together. We provide assistance to victims of injustice regardless of their religious beliefs, ethnicity, or gender, and are grateful for the support of all people of good will.

 

Careers

Are you still receiving applications for all positions posted on the website?
Yes, IJM is currently receiving applications for every job posted on our website. Job postings are removed immediately after the position has been filled.
To whom should I address my application?
Address all applications to the Director of Recruiting.
Do I need to submit a separate application for each position of interest?
No, positions of interest should be listed in the cover letter.
If I have previously applied for a job, should I re-submit my application for new positions?
Yes. Please mention your prior application in your new cover letter and explain your interest in the new position. Please attach your previously submitted Statement of Faith and resume (updated with any changes to employment or contact information) to the application.
Are non-US citizens eligible for US-based positions?
US citizenship is not required for US-based employment; however, candidates must have the legal right to work in the US. In most cases, IJM will not be able to assist financially in securing a visa to work in the US.
What is a Statement of Faith?
A statement of faith should describe your Christian faith and how it is relevant to your involvement with IJM. The statement can either be incorporated into your cover letter or submitted as a separate document. It should include, at a minimum, a description of your spiritual disciplines (prayer, study, etc.) and your current fellowship or place of worship.
Why does IJM require applicants to submit a Statement of Faith?
IJM is a non-sectarian community of faith that works with all people to seek justice on behalf of all people regardless of race, religion, creed or any other status. As a faith community, IJM’s core of full-time staff intentionally draw strength and unity from their common commitment to the teachings of Jesus Christ and from their communion of daily prayer and spiritual disciplines. Accordingly, IJM staff seeks colleagues who embrace and contribute to the spiritual community through shared Christian conviction and practice. As Mother Theresa did in Calcutta, IJM seeks to provide a common platform for all people of good will to serve the needy, while also building a core community who share her fundamental convictions of Christian faith and practice. Accordingly, IJM asks applicants seeking to join IJM’s core community of full-time staff to submit a Statement of Faith describing their Christian faith and its relevance to their interest in serving with IJM. It is generally helpful for an applicant to provide insight into his/her own journey of faith and as well as current spiritual disciplines. As with any such society of faith, SEC. 2000e-1 [Section702] of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 makes provision for employment along lines of shared religious convictions.
How do I know if my application has been received?
You will receive an email confirming the receipt of your application within 3 business days.
Will I receive notification of the status of my application?
All applicants will receive a verbal or written response communicating the status of their application.
May I schedule an informational interview?
Due to the quantity of applications that we receive, we are unable to offer informational interviews for employment opportunities.
What is the interview process?
Completed applications are reviewed by human resources and the hiring manager. Phone interviews are conducted with qualified applicants, followed by in-office interviews with the top candidates. IJM completes a thorough review of references prior to making an employment offer.
Does IJM provide benefits to employees?
IJM offers competitive salaries, with excellent medical, dental and retirement benefits to all employees. Additional benefits such as relocation, tuition for school-age dependents and furlough are provided for certain positions.
What is the size of the staff?
IJM has approximately 70 employees at headquarters and roughly 270 employees worldwide.
What is the office attire?
Office attire is business formal.
What is the culture like at IJM?
IJM offers a fast-paced, professional and friendly work environment for its employees. IJM employees work diligently to provide tangible relief for the victims we serve, while being good stewards of the funds generously provided to us by our donors.

IJM employees begin each day with 30 minutes of silence and solitude before God and gather at 11:00 a.m. for corporate prayer. Quarterly staff retreats are held to provide spiritual refreshment and team building opportunities.

 

Fundraising

Can IJM help me plan my event?
Due to the large number of events and inquiries that IJM fields, we are not able to provide planning assistance beyond answering questions and providing resources.  If you need further assistance or have additional questions, please contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .
If my company donates to IJM, can IJM's web site link to my company's web site?
Although we appreciate the generosity of companies and small businesses donating proceeds to IJM, we do not offer this service due to the high volume of requests.
Can IJM help me to advertise my event? Can IJM advertise my product or my company?
We currently do not assist with advertising and do not solicit our constituents for events or products not managed by IJM.
Can IJM help secure media coverage for my event?
Unfortunately we are unable to provide media relations assistance for events you are planning, but please feel free to seek coverage on your own. If someone would like to interview an IJM staff member, please e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  to set this up.

 

Internships & Fellowships

Does IJM only select interns who are law students or have an interest in attending law school?
No. Although any IJM DC or international internship position provides a great experience for those considering a career in law, the internship program has positions that would benefit an intern in a wide variety of future careers. All IJM staff and interns team together in helping secure the legal rights of our clients, but the majority of IJM employees are not lawyers, and most interns are not directly involved in legal casework. IJM seeks quality applicants from all types of educational backgrounds and skill set.
What is the best way to prepare myself to become an IJM lawyer?
We encourage you to read “Preparing for a Career in Human Rights”, an article written by IJM's President, Gary Haugen.
If I get selected for an IJM international internship position, will this allow me to have direct contact in counseling victims of sex-trafficking, slavery and other forms of oppression?
All international interns and fellows work closely with IJM staff in assisting our clients. Thus they receive close exposure to the issues involved in rescuing and providing a new life to these victims of oppression. However, in most cases, only a select number of trained IJM professionals or certain aftercare fellows will have direct contact with IJM clients. Due to language barriers, IJM relies on its national staff and aftercare partners to provide counseling.
To whom should I address my application?
Application materials should be directed to the Internship Selection Committee.
When is the earliest I should send in my application?
DC applicants should not turn in their completed applications any earlier than one month prior to the deadline. Summer Legal applicants should not turn in their completed applications any earlier than one month prior to the Early Decision deadline. International Intern and Fellow applications should follow the instructions posted on the specific Web page.
Is my application due by the deadline date or should it be postmarked by that date?
Applications should arrive at the IJM office by the deadline date.
How do I know whether IJM has received my application?
IJM will send an email confirmation within three business days of receiving your application. We do not send confirmation for individual pieces of your application that may have been sent separately, such as references and transcripts. If certain items are not received when needed for review, the applicant will be notified.
What are the application requirements if I have previously applied for an IJM internship?
Please send an updated application form, application addendum, cover letter and resume. Applicants may submit a new writing sample and recommendation letters (for DC positions) if they wish. For DC positions, transcripts must also be updated if the prior transcript does not contain the most recent grade information.
Are applicants from nations outside the United States treated differently in the application process?
IJM routinely selects interns who are not from the United States. Those selected for a DC internship must have the appropriate passport and visa to remain in the United States for the duration of the internship. If needed, IJM can provide a letter confirming the intern’s selection. It is the candidate's responsibility to ascertain and fulfill the requirements of obtaining the relevant visa. For international internships, the intern must have the appropriate visa and passport to arrive in Washington, DC for training week. IJM staff will directly assist in acquiring the proper visa for the international intern's stay in the field office location.
What if I want to apply for more than one type of internship at the same time?
Candidates need only fill out one type of application, but must meet the earlier deadline.

DC and International Internships: Candidates should complete a DC internship application packet and explain in the cover letter if they have a preference for either type of internship. They should also include the application form for the International Internship.

DC Legal and Summer International Legal Internship: Candidates can apply for both types of internships on the same application form.

Multiple Positions among International Internships: IJM encourages all candidates to be willing to consider as many open positions as possible. Candidates may express their preference in their cover letter.

Multiple Positions among DC Internships: Non-legal applicants are highly encouraged to apply for multiple departmental positions, as long as they can fulfill the role with enthusiasm and excellence.
Does IJM have an early decision process?
IJM has an early decision process for Summer Legal Interns. For DC positions, applicants who desire for IJM to make an early decision should request this in their cover letter. Applicants who require an early decision reduce their chance of receiving an offer, as IJM must compare the applicant to an unknown pool of competitors.
What is the difference between an "internship" and a "fellowship"?
Those who perform roles requiring a graduate level degree are designated as fellows. At this time, the program elements for interns and fellows do not differ.
What if my reference letters or transcripts arrive late?
It is to the detriment of the applicant for the materials to arrive late. Although the selection committee can begin the review process while waiting for reference letters or transcripts, no offers will be made unless all the materials have arrived at IJM.
Do DC interns have to be current students?
Interns do not need to be currently enrolled in school. Many of our interns are recent college or law school graduates.
Is there a minimum age for the DC internships?
Applicants must hold a high school diploma or G.E.D. However, due to the competitive nature of the program, most interns selected for the DC internships have completed at least two years of college or are recent graduates.
Are there internship sessions that are less competitive than others?
DC Legal Internship: IJM receives a significantly higher number of legal applications during the summer compared to the fall and spring sessions. Legal applicants who desire to serve in the Washington, DC office are strongly encouraged to see if they can complete an internship during the fall or spring semester of their second or third year of law school, or after their law school graduation.

DC Non-Legal Internship Positions: The competition level is relatively the same between the summer and fall internships. IJM receives the fewest applications for the spring internship session.
Where is the IJM office located?
Our office is in Arlington, Virginia and is within walking distance of a Metro rail station.
Who will supervise me during my internship?
Each intern will be supervised by someone in his or her department who will give assignments, monitor projects and provide assistance, support and feedback. Each intern will also be supervised by the director of intern and volunteer programs.
Does IJM provide stipends or scholarships for interns?
The IJM internship is an unpaid program.
Can I fundraise to pay for the costs of a DC IJM internship?
Although interns can fundraise for international internships, DC interns can only fundraise for the cost of their travel to Washington, DC.
Does IJM provide housing?
IJM does not provide housing for interns. Interns typically rent apartments, board with friends or family members, or stay at local colleges (only in the summer). Upon acceptance, IJM will provide interns with resources to aid in their housing search.
What are the estimated costs of living in DC?
Costs will vary depending on your individual accommodations and preferences. Most interns can secure housing for at least $800 per month. Less expensive options are available depending on the location and the number of roommates. Interns should also consider possible costs for parking if they plan on bringing an automobile.
When will I know what country will be my assignment?
Applicants should select all the regions in which they are genuinely interested in serving an internship. When making offers, IJM will specify the country in which we desire to place the intern.
Do I have to be currently enrolled in law school?
Although most legal interns are still enrolled in law school, IJM also accepts law school graduates for the summer program.
Do I need to speak a foreign language?
There are no language requirements for applicants unless they are applying for a position at a Latin America office. IJM staff at all offices and many of our international clients speak English. We also have translators available at all our offices.
Do I need any prior experience or related coursework in human rights or international law?
Although prior experience or related coursework is preferable, there are no specific requirements.
What is the dress code at IJM’s international offices?
The dress code varies depending on the local culture. However, all legal interns will be expected to have at least one formal business suit. During training week, all interns will be dressed in business formal for most of the days.
Can I serve with IJM after I take the bar and before I start at my law firm?
IJM currently has many openings for lawyers who can serve with us for a period of six months to one year.
Will I receive a tax-deductible receipt?
Yes, you will receive a receipt for each contribution mailed to the address listed on your check or credit card.
If the intern/fellow through which I made my donation can no longer participate in the project with IJM, can my donation be refunded?
No, in accordance with IRS guidelines, once a tax-deductible receipt is issued to the donor, donations are not refundable even if the fellow/intern does not participate in the IJM project for any reason.
Can I specify that my donation be used to cover a specific expense such as airfare?
No, the money donated to IJM on behalf of a participant is added to IJM’s general funds and credited towards the participant’s fundraising goal. IJM will reimburse the participant for qualified expenses at IJM’s discretion.
How can I be sure you are investing my support wisely?
An outside accounting firm conducts an annual audit of IJM. In addition, an all-volunteer Board of Directors sets policies and procedures and monitors the budget and expenditures. IJM is a member of the ECFA - the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability - to further ensure that IJM is a good steward of the resources entrusted to us. You may also view recent financial documents on our website.
Can I mail a check or set up monthly direct debit?
Yes, to mail donations, please make checks payable to International Justice Mission and do not write the participant’s name anywhere on the check, including the memo line. In order for your donation to be counted towards the participant’s fundraising goal, you must submit this slip along with your check to IJM.

International Justice Mission
PO BOX 58147
Washington, DC 20037

 

Giving to IJM

How can I be sure you are investing my support wisely?
An outside accounting firm conducts an annual audit of IJM. In addition, an all-volunteer Board of Directors sets policies and procedures and monitors the budget and expenditures. IJM is a member of the ECFA - the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability - to further ensure that IJM is a good steward of the resources entrusted to us. You may also view recent financial documents on our Web site.
Where do you get your funding?
IJM is funded by individuals, foundations, churches, and government grants. We are limited by a board policy to accept no more than 20% of our budget from the U.S. government. A breakdown and annual report of IJM’s funding is available here.
What if I want to support a specific area of the world or a specific kind of casework?
IJM deploys its resources in a manner that will be most effective to rescue victims around the world. Because rapid changes in global circumstances can suddenly change the needs in a particular area, we are able to work most effectively with unrestricted funds. However, if you have a specific interest in the work of one of our projects, you can direct your gift to a specific region by including a note with your contribution or writing a notation on the memo line of your check.
Is someone available to speak at my church/group/organization?
You may request a speaker using our request form or by contacting IJM’s Education Department at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Is my gift tax-deductible?
Yes. IJM is a non-profit organization pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Will I receive a receipt?
Yes, you will receive a hard-copy receipt for contributions sent via mail. Receipts are sent automatically via email for gifts made through IJM.org. Please feel free to contact the Donor Relations team anytime at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .
How can I help raise money for IJM?
Whether you would like to hold a concert, a car wash, or a similar fundraising endeavor, we have prepared a fundraising section filled with useful ideas and materials.