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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.

Specific Questions Regarding Applications

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.

Questions Specific to the DC Internship

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.

Questions Specific to the Summer Legal Internship

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.

Questions Regarding International Internship or Fellowship Giving

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