Legal Intern

The Door is an unparalleled model for youth development, offering a comprehensive range of integrated services within a single site for over nine thousand New York City youth each year. Our mission is to empower young adults to reach their full potential by providing comprehensive youth development services in a diverse and caring environment. At The Door, youth can access health care and education, mental health counseling and crisis assistance, legal assistance, college preparation services, career development, housing support, arts, sports and recreational activities, and nutritious meals – all free and under one roof. By providing participants with our suite of integrated services, we seek to provide any motivated young person with the tools, resources, and opportunities needed to successfully transition to adulthood.

The Door’s Legal Services Center comprises a team of twenty-eight (28) attorneys, thirteen (13) paralegals, six (6) social workers, and two (2) administrative assistants. We specialize in serving vulnerable youth, including those who are homeless, undocumented, and/or LGBTQ+.

The Center seeks law student term-time interns to assist in the representation of young people in immigration and family law matters. Our immigration practice focuses on pursuing forms of humanitarian relief, including Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, asylum, U visas, and T visas.

Responsibilities:

• Interview clients.
• Draft correspondence.
• Write affidavits and motions.
• Perform legal research assignments.
• Prepare immigration applications.
• Advocate with government agencies.
• Opportunity to appear on the record in Family Court, Immigration Court, and/or in administrative hearings.
• Provide related administrative assistance.

Qualifications:

• Must be a current law student
• Experience working with adolescents and/or clients in crisis is valued but not required.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply positive youth development principles to working with young people is valued but not required.
• Proficiency in Spanish, Mandarin, Haitian, Creole, or French is preferred.

Hours: Flexible

Salary: This is an unpaid internship.

COVID -19 POLICY

The Door follows the CDC and NYS recommendations to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The Door requires all new hires to be vaccinated against COVID-19 unless they have a qualified exemption.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community. We support a broadly diverse team who will contribute to our organization. We are an equal opportunity employer for all regardless of race, color, citizenship, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran or reservist status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law. 

Qualifications