Law Clerk-Immigration Course Credit/Non-Paid

Legal Services of New Jersey (“LSNJ”), a nonprofit law firm, provides free legal assistance to low-income New Jerseyans for their civil legal problems. LSNJ’s Immigration Representation Project (“IRP”) provides direct representation to non-detained and individuals detained by ICE in immigration proceedings. 

The IRP’s Special Projects Team develops strategic litigation, policy advocacy, and other initiatives on behalf of individuals in immigration detention whose civil rights are violated by government actors. The team seeks a law student extern, eligible for course-credit, to contribute to their work.  

Currently, the Team is focused on securing the rights of noncitizens facing concurrent criminal legal charges and removal proceedings. The Team also challenges inhumane conditions of confinement in detention facilities and supports its work through a robust government transparency docket. 

Past externs have participated in client intake and interviewing, drafted significant legal research memoranda, analyzed records provided in response to public records requests, and contributed to public education initiatives. 

Depending on the school’s requirements and the needs of the Team, the externship can be either fully in-person or hybrid. The Special Projects team is located in downtown Newark, N.J., and is close to public transit. Externs are expected to commit at least twelve hours a week during the semester.