Job Description

ABOUT KIND

Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) is a global leader in the protection of unaccompanied refugee and migrant children. Launched in 2008, KIND champions a world in which every child’s rights and well-being are protected throughout their journey to safety. KIND has provided over 19,000 children with high quality representation in their immigration proceedings by training more than 41,000 attorneys and cultivating partnerships with over 600 law firms, corporate legal departments, law schools, and bar associations across the country.

KIND’s social services program ensures that migrant and refugee children – who have often endured trauma – receive counseling, educational support, medical care and other comprehensive services.

To address the root causes of child migration from Central America and strengthen protection of unaccompanied children, KIND advocates for policy changes and educates lawmakers, the media, and the broader public on the conditions that drive these children to flee their home countries. KIND supports children returning to their home countries by connecting them to essential support services and sponsors gender-based violence prevention programs in Central America to protect children in countries of origin and transit.

KIND is also building upon its expertise in the protection of unaccompanied children to encourage the development of pro bono initiatives across Europe in partnership with European NGOs.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

KIND’s Washington, D.C. Field Office seeks a Legal Intern for the summer semester of 2021 to assist in providing pro bono legal representation to unaccompanied children in immigration court proceedings. Please note a commitment of twelve weeks is preferred, while a minimum commitment of ten weeks is required for the internship. This internship is unpaid but may be pursued for academic credit. We are happy to assist with work study and funding from external sources is welcomed. A laptop will be provided for this role.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Interviewing: conducting intake interviews and phone calls with clients and adult sponsors; doing follow-up as needed; drafting case referral memos.
• Information Gathering: contacting sponsors, social workers, government agencies, relatives or other agencies from the child’s home country to prepare case files; performing legal and country conditions research.
• Research and Writing: performing legal research; assisting with motions, affidavits, briefs, and memoranda of law.
• Interpreting: assisting at interviews with clients, as well as interpreting telephone calls and translating documents.
• Maintaining Legal Server case management system; reporting on data and statistics.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be currently enrolled in an accredited JD or LLM program.
• Fluency in Spanish and English (oral and written).
• Exceptional academic credentials, strong writing skills and attention to detail.
• Experience in immigration and family law strongly preferred.
• Experience working with children and survivors of trauma preferred.
• Must be passionate about issues affecting unaccompanied immigrant children.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Ability to have regular interaction via telephone, videoconference, IM, and email with KIND's team.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Please be advised that a resume, cover letter, writing sample and three references must be included in your application in order to be considered for this role. Applications that do not contain the required documents will not be considered.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled, and applicants selected for interviews will be duly notified.

KIND is an EOE committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in both its staff and work. The selected applicant will be asked to undergo a background check after acceptance of the formal o