Based in Portland, Maine, with a satellite office in Lewiston, the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project (ILAP) is Maine’s only state-wide immigration legal aid organization. ILAP’s mission is to help low-income immigrants improve their legal status and to work for more just and humane laws and policies affecting immigrants. ILAP’s work includes direct legal services for over 3,000 clients each year; education and outreach to immigrant communities and service providers; and systemic advocacy on local, state, and federal immigration law issues.

ILAP is committed to having a respectful, collaborative, and equitable work environment, with equal opportunity for all employees. We strongly encourage applications from people of color, immigrants, and other underrepresented and historically marginalized groups. We believe in building an organization that is reflective of the communities that we serve and is diverse in work background, experience, education, race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, national origin, or sensory, mental, and physical abilities. We believe that having a diverse and equitable organization strengthens our programming and services and advances our organizational values.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

ILAP is offering a paid Racial Justice Fellowship during the Summer of 2025. Candidates must identify as an immigrant or have a lived immigrant experience. The Fellow will work full time in person at our Portland office location and is required to complete a minimum of 10 weeks, though a longer commitment is preferred.
The Racial Justice Fellowship recognizes and compensates law students with a lived immigrant experience for the expertise that comes from navigating the immigration system and other forms of systemic oppression, the value of having deep relationships with immigrant communities, and new skills, competencies, and perspectives the Fellow brings to ILAP.
At ILAP, the Fellow will assist legal staff on a variety of case types and projects. Responsibilities will vary depending on program needs and Fellow skills, but can be expected to include:
Case work and client interviewing: Assist with preparation of humanitarian applications for relief including asylum, adjustment of status, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, VAWA self-petitions, U visas, and more.
Support detained representation programming: Assist with intake, triage, coordination, needs assessments, and case work.
Research and writing: Research legal issues related to client cases, prepare written memorandums and briefs as needed, and gather country conditions evidence to support client applications.
Meetings and trainings: Attend staff meetings, legal trainings, and presentations. The Fellow will also have access to professional development opportunities.
Translation and Interpretation: If fluent in a relevant language, assist with phone calls to clients, interpreting for client meetings, and translating documents.
Programmatic Support: Complete special projects for ILAP attorneys and staff, as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

Identifies as an immigrant or has a lived immigrant experience.
Rising 2L or 3L.
Strong analytical, research, and writing skills.
Good judgment and the ability to work collaboratively with others.
Ability to work independently in a remote environment if needed.
Strong computer skills including proficiency with Office 365.
Ability to multi-task effectively, including having strong detail-orientation.
Demonstrated passion for advancing immigrants’ rights and an ability to work well with individuals from different cultures and with varying levels of English proficiency.
Personal and professional commitment to racial justice and equity.
Prior experience with immigration matters is preferred.
Proficiency or fluency in a relevant community language is preferred, especially French, Spanish, Portuguese, Lingala, Haitian Creole, Dari, or Pashto.

COMPENSATION

The Fellow will receive a $8,240 stipend for the duration of the fellowship.

TO APPLY

Please send a cover letter and resume via email to hr@ilapmaine.org with the subject line “Racial Justice Fellow – Summer 2025.”

The review of applications will begin on January 6, 2025 and continue until the position is filled.

HIRING PROCESS

Initial Interview: Qualified candidates will be invited to participate in an initial interview.
Reference Check: ILAP will check references before extending a written offer of employment to the selected candidate.
Notification: ILAP is committed to notifying applicants who are not selected throughout the process.