Legal Internship (Phoenix & Tucson)

Please note this legal internship opportunity is for the Summer of 2026.

The Organization

The Florence Project was founded in 1989 to respond to a representation crisis for indigent non-citizens detained at the rural Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Detention Center in Florence Arizona. Through our programs today we provide services to thousands of adults youth and children detained in Eloy Florence Phoenix and Tucson Arizona on any given 2001 the Florence Project implemented our Integrated Social Services Program one of the first of its kind in this field. The Florence Project provides high quality legal and social services and supports initiatives for national changes in immigration law and policy.

Primary Purpose of the Job:

Under the supervision and guidance of a Florence Project attorney the Legal Intern will have the opportunity to assist in all aspects of legal advocacy including Know Your Rights presentations for unaccompanied childrens shelters individual intakes pre-court counseling sessions direct client work application preparation drafting of client declarations researching of novel issues legal memorandum writing appellate research and overall programmatic development. Interns will assist with direct representation before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (immigration court) the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services and state juvenile court.

Depending on experience and court requirements the Legal Intern may also have the opportunity to represent individuals in hearings before an Immigration Judge under the supervision and guidance of a Florence Project attorney should the courts schedule permit it.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Casework

• Assist with preparationof casesresearch case law assist withdraftinglegal papers help formulate required evidence.

• Proofand edit forms and documents.

• Follow up with client and to gather necessary information.

• Attendmeetingsincluding staff meetings and joint case review meetings.

• Attendassigned trainings.

• Well versedand remains currentinimmigration law andon implications of criminal and civil law as it applies to the representation ofdetainees.

• Complywith requiredethical standards preservesclient confidentiality and avoids conflictof interest.

• Maintaincomplete and accuratecase notes andclient records.

• Participatein training on immigration procedures and may conduct training to children as assigned such as Know Your Rights presentations.

Advocacy

• Support FIRRPoutreach and development activities as needed.

Other Duties & Responsibilities:

• Participate in organizational fundraising and outreach efforts as requested.

• Participate in developing and implementing special projects or presentations.

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

• Currently attending law school in pursuit of a juris doctor (JD).

• Have completed at least one year of study by the first date of the internship.

• Demonstrated commitment to advocating for indigent immigrant clients in a respectful and empowering way zealous support of the Florence Projects mission and displays a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

• Must be comfortable working with people with criminal convictions.

• Strong legal research.

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with diverse populations.

• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

• Highly organized an innovative thinker and work in high-volume settings with limited resources.

• Accuracy and attention to detail a must.

• Ability to do repetitive tasks for long periods of time.

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with diverse populations.

• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

• Excellent problem solving research and analytical skills.

• Effectively manage multipleprojects and meet deadlines.

• Demonstrate to be a hardworking flexible respectful team player that can work effectively in a collaborative innovative and client centered work to work independently be adaptable and reliable in the face of conflict pressure crisis or changing priorities.

• Exhibit high ethical standards and the ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Must be able to pass federal and state background checks.

• Travel is required for this position.

• Must have a validdriverslicense and reliable transportation.

• Proven computer skills. Advanced understanding of basic office applications.

Preferred Requirements:

• Fluency or advanced proficiency in Spanish preferred.

• Prior work internship regular or volunteer work experience in immigration rights human rights criminal justice or in a nonprofit legalservices setting is a plus.

• Experience with databases and data tracking ( Server).

Working Conditions/Physical Demands:

• Operatein a professional office environment and requires the ability to sit for long periods of time with intermittent walking standing bending squatting pulling and pushing.

• Ability to use standard office equipment such as scanners computers keyboards phones shredders photocopiers and filing cabinets. Requires the ability tolift upto ten pounds.

• Could require traveling regularly between offices and secondary work locations.

• This position requires frequent time in detention shelters and immigration courts located in Tucson and Phoenix

• Effective September 1 2021 FIRRP has implemented a mandatory COVID-19 vaccine policy. To comply with this policy active employees must be fully vaccinated by October 15 2021. Employees seeking an exemption due to a medical condition or sincerely-held religious belief should contact our Human Resources Department at.

Application Process:

The position will remain open until we receive enough qualified applicants. To apply please submit a cover letter detailing your interest in the position as well as your resume three professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and candidates are encouraged to apply early. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. The Florence Project values diversity in the workplace and strongly encourages applications from people of color LGBTQ individuals persons with disabilities and members of underrepresented communities.

This internship announcement is for informational purposes only and is subject to change and modification without notice. This internship announcement includes a non-exhaustive list of responsibilitiesqualificationsand requirements of the position but does not necessarily include all the functions of the position.

Required Experience:

Junior IC