Immigration Law Justice Fellow

POSITION DESCRIPTION

• ILAP is offering a paid Immigration Law Justice Fellowship during the Summer of 2026. Candidates must identify as an immigrant or have a lived immigrant experience. ILAP defines “lived immigrant experience” as knowledge gained through direct, first-hand experience with the United States immigration system, from being without lawful status in the United States, or from being part of a mixed-immigration status family. First-hand experience may come from one’s own experience with the United States immigration system or from experience through growing up—including as a child born in the United States—with family members who were navigating that system or lacked options within it. ILAP considers family to be a broad term. Applicants of any race or ethnicity are welcome.
• The Fellow will work full-time in person at our Portland office location for a 10-week term. An extension of this term may be available, with additional payment for any approved extension period.
• The Immigration Law 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.

Proficiency or fluency in a relevant community language is preferred, especially French, Spanish, Portuguese, Lingala, Haitian Creole, Dari, or Pashto.