The Immigration Institute of the Bay Area (IIBA) was founded in 1918, and its mission is to welcome, educate, and serve immigrants, refugees, and their families as they join and contribute to the community. IIBA provides immigration legal services, English and civic education, and other services throughout the Bay Area, as well as through its collaborative efforts with local and regional service providers. IIBA offers a team-oriented, collegial, and collaborative work environment. We pride ourselves on providing excellent service to our clients, and we know our organization runs on the hard work and dedication of our passionate employees.
At IIBA, we have a clear vision: to be the place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, to stay, and to do their best work. IIBA’s dedication to promoting diversity, multiculturalism, and inclusion is reflected in the work that we do. We are committed to equity and believe deeply in the value of diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, ethnicity, national origin, and all the other wonderful characteristics that make us human.
Law Student Intern / Extern / Law Clerk Position Summary:
IIBA is interested in hosting law students during the academic year as part- or full-time interns or externs, and during the summer as full-time law clerks. Law students will gain experience in humanitarian immigration law through work on individual legal cases and, depending on the needs of the office, outreach or other special projects. These are unpaid positions.
Potential Responsibilities:
- Work directly on immigration cases, such as citizenship, relief for survivors of domestic violence and other crimes, DACA, removal defense, and other humanitarian relief cases.
- Assist with case preparation under the direction of a staff attorney. This may include consulting with and interviewing clients, writing client and witness declarations and other documents, compiling evidence, completing immigration applications, and conducting legal and factual research.
- Conduct eligibility screenings and consultations for potential clients.
- Participate in pro bono legal clinics sponsored by IIBA and/or its partners.
- Maintain documents and prepare forms using electronic case management systems.
- Communicate with clients in person, on the phone, and by mail and email.
- Assist with general office responsibilities as needed, including finalizing application packets for submission, scheduling client appointments, maintaining client files, and coordinating special projects.
Qualifications:
- Second language proficiency desired, preferably in Spanish.
- Preferably able to commit to 10 or more hours per week during the academic year and 10 weeks of full-time work during the summer.
- Currently enrolled in law school.
- Well-organized, attentive to detail, accurate, and reliable.
- Strong computer skills, with administrative experience preferred.
- Experience interacting with clients and the public in a professional manner.
- Committed to serve and compassionate about issues faced by low-income immigrant communities.
Benefits:
- Gain direct and varied substantive legal experience in a well-respected, collegial immigration law office.
- Receive hands-on supervision and mentoring, and have access to trainings and other learning opportunities.
- If applicable, earn class credit or fulfill community service requirements.
- Give back to the community, and make a difference for Bay Area residents in need.
To apply: Please email your resume and a cover letter explaining your interest in working with IIBA to probono@iibayarea.org.
This description intends to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. It is not intended to include all duties and responsibilities. The order in which duties and responsibilities are listed is not significant. Because of a need to remain responsive to the needs of our clients and our Agency’s operations, responsibilities may be modified at any time.
IIBA recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law. Persons receiving services in our programs are entitled to freedom from harassment and retaliation and reasonable accommodation for qualified disabilities.
