Summer Legal Internships
Program Information
*Attention: Summer Legal Internships may not be available, as most field offices are now primarily requesting Legal Interns for a minimum of 6-months. If there are any requests for Summer Legal Internships, they will be posted on our careers page. If you do not see a posting, you may see a “Legal Internship & Fellowship (6 Month Virtual)”. If you can commit to working full time during late-May to mid-August, and then a minimum of 15 hours/week until December, please feel free to apply for this opportunity! These cohorts start around early January and late May each year, with applications opening about 6 months beforehand.
The Summer Legal Internships are designed to give law students an opportunity to serve in one of our field offices. Summer Legal Interns gain skills and knowledge regarding international laws and policies which protect the rights of those subject to violent forms of human rights abuses.
The IJM Summer legal internship program provides exposure to legal work and helps participants develop skills in legal research, writing briefs and preparing case documentation. IJM interns have the unique opportunity to join teams of Christian attorneys in Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia and Latin America to help protect clients from sex trafficking, slavery, unprosecuted rape, illegal detention, police brutality and illegal land seizure.
Each field office is directed by an IJM Field Office Director who is experienced in human rights law, Christian leadership and office management. The field offices range in size from 10 to 60 people, allowing for ample opportunity to gain exposure to the frontlines of international human rights work.
Education
Candidates must have completed at least one year of law school.
Christian Faith
IJM requires all fellows and interns to possess a mature orthodox Christian faith as defined by the Apostles' Creed.
Language Requirements
IJM conducts business in English at all field offices, except those located in Latin America. Candidates who desire to work with the IJM staff in Latin America must be fluent, or near fluent, in Spanish.
Security Background Check
Candidates selected for an assignment are subject to a security background check prior to deployment.
Office Assignments
IJM will select the top overall candidates and then determine specific assignments based on the candidates’ interests and field office needs. Finalists will have the opportunity to speak with an attorney serving at their potential placement prior to acceptance.
IJM|Orientation
The program begins with a required week of orientation held at IJM headquarters in Washington, D.C. Sessions are led by IJM's senior leadership and staff. During this time, attendees learn about IJM's history, spiritual foundations, corporate philosophies, legal and investigative strategies and current global operations.
Work Hours
Summer legal interns work a five-day, 40-hour week.
Deployment Date
Selected candidates usually deploy to their field office assignment immediately after IJM|Orientation.
International Housing, Travel and Safety
IJM staff will assist interns secure suitable housing near the field office. As interns arrive in their assigned country, an IJM staff member will meet them at the airport and help them adjust to a new culture. Although interns go through security training with IJM investigators before they are deployed to their international assignment, IJM encourages applicants to be cognizant of the inherent risks of traveling and living in the developing world.
Expenses
All internship positions are unpaid. Interns have been successful in fundraising for the majority of their expenses through their church and individual supporters.
Interns are responsible for all costs involved in their assignment. These costs include:
- Travel and lodging in Washington, DC for IJM|Orientation;
- Health Insurance (can elect to join IJM's group health insurance coverage) and required vaccinations;
- Passport, visa and work permit fees;
- Travel to overseas assignment;
- General monthly living expenses while on assignment;
- Any other general living and entertainment expenses.
Below are examples of monthly expenses reported by past participants. The costs are for basic expenses only and do not include additional expenses most people incur such as personal travel, phone, internet, toiletries and perhaps apartment furnishings.
| Budgeted Expense | S. Asia | S.E. Asia | Africa | Latin America |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | $250-$500 | $250-$500 | $250-$500 | $250-$500 |
| Deposit | 1-6 months | 1-2 months | 2-6 months | 1-2 months |
| Set-Up | $50-$200 | $50-$200 | $50-$200 | $50-$200 |
| Utilities | $25-$75 | $25-$75 | $25-$75 | $25-$75 |
| Cleaning | $25-$50 | $25-$50 | $25-$50 | $25-$50 |
| Security | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| Food | $100-$200 | $100-$200 | $100-$200 | $100-$200 |
| Laundry | $10-$25 | $10-$25 | $10-$25 | $10-$25 |
| Entertainment | $75-$100 | $50-$100 | $50-$100 | $25-$100 |
| Work Commute | $25-$50 | $25-$50 | $25-$75 | $25-$50 |
| Monthly Total | $560-$1200 | $485-$1200 | $485-$1175 | $460-$1150 |