Immigration specialist internship
For law students and paralegals
Legal Services—Year-round volunteer opportunity

Position description
InMotion seeks part-time paralegals or law students. This position would require 15–20 hours per week. The internship is unpaid; however volunteers may apply for work-study, a grant or clinical credit through their school. Positions are in either our Bronx or Manhattan offices and assignments will be made based on the needs of each office.

Organization description
InMotion is a non-profit agency providing free legal services to low-income women throughout New York City. Since 1993, inMotion has helped thousands of women free themselves from abusive relationships, stay in their homes and win the financial support to which they—and their children—are legally entitled. Our mission is to make a real and lasting difference in the lives of women—low-income, under-served, abused—by offering them legal services designed to foster equal access to justice and an empowered approach to life. We fulfill our mission by providing free legal services, primarily in the areas of matrimonial, family and immigration law in a way that acknowledges mutual respect, encourages personal growth, and nurtures individual and collective strength. Informed by this work, inMotion promotes policies that make our society more responsive to the legal issues confronting the women we serve. Learn more about our work and mission.

Position responsibilities
The volunteer will work under the direction of inMotion’s staff attorneys. The volunteer will assist with inMotion’s work on securing immigration benefits for its clients. This work entails communicating with and interviewing clients, helping client identify and gather appropriate supporting documentation, drafting cover letters to the immigration service, preparing and filing immigration application packets and assisting clients schedule appointments with the immigration service. The paralegal will learn interviewing skills and substantive law in the area of VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) self-petitions and Battered Spouse Waivers. The volunteer will also work on administrative duties such as filing, computer data entry, drafting correspondence and organizational tasks.

Qualifications

Paralegal, Paralegal/law student, or experience with immigration law

Knowledge or familiarity with domestic violence required

Knowledge or familiarity with immigration law, particularly immigration relief available to domestic violence survivors helpful

Minimum commitment of three (3) months

Good interpersonal and strong organizational skills, self-starter, and highly motivated

Ability to work collaboratively and independently.

Bilingual English/Spanish a plus

Apply for an immigration specialist  internship at inMotion Click on the link above to apply. Fill out the secure online web-form and upload

Cover letter with your availability and two references

Resume

Writing sample

Please note: applications submitted without a formal cover letter and writing sample will not be considered. Only applicants being considered for the position will be contacted by inMotion.