Opening – Spring 2025 Extern – Family Defense Program

Opening – Spring 2025 Extern – Family Defense Program

Location: Florida

About Americans for Immigrant Justice

Americans for Immigrant Justice (AI Justice), an award-winning not-for-profit legal services organization founded in 1996 to protect and promote the basic human rights of immigrants, has a multicultural and a multilingual staff. AI Justice has represented clients from around the world and is recognized as a powerful advocate and national leader for immigrants' rights. AI Justice works closely with traditional civil rights groups as well as grassroots organizations and local, state and national government officials to affect positive change in immigration policies.

About the Family Defense Program

The Family Defense Program (FDP) informs and empowers immigrants, particularly mixed-status families and long-time residents whose futures are uncertain. With its signature combination of community outreach, education, and direct representation, FDP staff fight to keep Florida families safe and together. Through legal screening clinics and Know Your Rights presentations, the FDP team bridges gaps in access to legal services and dispels rampant misinformation. With help from our network of pro bono attorneys and volunteers, staff have served thousands of immigrants, often helping them on their pathway to permanent residency and citizenship through direct representation.

Spring 2025 Legal Externship Opportunities for the Family Defense Program

Externs will have the opportunity to directly support the FDP staff attorneys and clients by assisting with:

• Legal screenings and clinics;
• Applications for relief such as TPS, asylum, and any other immigration benefit for which a client may qualify;
• Prepare for legal proceedings, including before the immigration court and USCIS;
• Legal research and writing; and
• Know Your Rights presentations.

Qualifications

• Fluency in Spanish or Haitian Creole required
• Currently enrolled at an accredited law school
• Must be willing to submit to an extensive background check, including FBI, statewide repository, and sex offender registry check

To Apply

E-mail your resume and cover letter to careers@aijustice.org and ajhernandez@aijustice.org with the subject line “2025 FDP Spring Legal Extern.” Our office is located in Miami, Florida. Certain tasks such as clinics may require in-person appearance. Applications will be considered from all classes including 1Ls and will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled. There is no monetary compensation, but academic credit may be available depending on the school the student is enrolled at. Those seeking externships must commit to a minimum of 20 hours a week.