Tenant Defense Summer intern

BronxWorks is a leading nonprofit serving Bronx residents for over 50 years. With more than 65 program sites, we provide housing support, youth and senior services, immigration assistance, financial empowerment, and more. Our Legal Services Department works to advance housing justice and prevent displacement for low-income tenants across the Bronx.

Tenant Defense Summer Intern

BronxWorks offers summer internships in our Tenant Defense Program for law students passionate about housing justice. Gain hands-on litigation experience, advance legal strategies, and help prevent displacement in Bronx communities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Research housing laws and draft pleadings, motions, and legal memoranda.
• Counsel clients on tenant rights and housing subsidies under attorney supervision.
• Support attorneys in hearings, trials, and administrative proceedings.
• Assist with settlement negotiations and mediation.
• Build expertise in housing programs and public benefits; represent clients in hearings and appeals.
• Conduct fact-finding through interviews, site visits, and evidence collection.
• Participate in community outreach and legal education workshops.
• Prepare legal documents, including discovery responses and affidavits.
• Shadow attorneys on complex litigation and appellate work.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Excellent research, oral and written communication, and analytical skills.
• Strong attention to detail and concern for quality and accuracy.
• Excellent client service; able to build trust with diverse populations
• High degree of professional ethics and integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Effective time management; able to prioritize in a fast-paced environment
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and case management systems
• Works well independently and as part of a team

Plus Factors

• Verbal and written proficiency in a language other than English, especially Spanish or another language commonly spoken by Bronx residents.
• Prior professional experience assisting clients with housing subsidy applications, such as emergency rent arrears assistance, FHEPS, CityFHEPS. Prior professional experience with public benefits assistance and advocacy.
• Prior paralegal experience in a litigation practice or paralegal certificate.
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and working in with low-income and vulnerable populations and communities of color to advance equity.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to use a computer for prolonged periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, or sit for long periods of time.
• Ability to bend and retrieve objects and/or documents.
• Ability to travel in the boroughs of New York City and its adjacent counties via public transportation.
• Ability to travel for a minimum of 1 mile within a reasonable amount of time if required to conduct field work

BronxWorks seeks to build an inclusive organization grounded in respect for differences. BronxWorks is committed to equal employment opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified candidates and employees pursuant to applicable law. This commitment applies to all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, training and employee development, placement, promotion, demotion, upgrading, downgrading, transfer, layoff and termination. We value and encourage diversity and solicit applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, status as a victim of domestic violence, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. If you require reasonable accommodation as part of the application process, please contact hrbenefits@bronxworks.org.