Immigration Legal Intern - UNPAID - Summer 2027

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

INTERNSHIP OVERVIEW: The IRC in Denver’s Legal Program currently serves hundreds of clients annually with defense representation and asylum services before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), as well as affirmative representation before US Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) to pursue humanitarian visas, family reunification, employment authorization, adjustment of status, naturalization, and other immigration benefits. The Immigration Legal Intern will support and assist attorneys and DOJ Accredited Representatives with client intake and enrollment, preparing and filing immigration applications and petitions, and maintaining contact with clients. The Immigration Legal Intern may also assist in facilitating client workshops, Know Your Rights presentations, and legal trainings for IRC in Denver’s network of pro bono attorneys. 

This position may be of particular interest to law students hoping to work in immigration-related fields, although a prior immigration experience is not a requirement. This internship is a great opportunity to gain professional experience in a multi-cultural, social service setting. 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:  

• The intern will gain professional experience providing technical assistance and programmatic support to the Denver IRC legal program 

• The intern will gain a deep understanding of immigration law and policy, particularly as it pertains to refugees, asylees, and asylum-seekers in the US 

• The intern will gain practical experience working in a fast-paced environment for a large NGO in a challenging policy environment for refugees and immigrants 

TRAINING ACTIVITIES: 

• Participate in comprehensive client intake and needs assessment under the supervision of IRC staff 

• Manage appointments with clients, interpreters, and pro bono attorneys. 

• Assist clients to complete applications or petitions for various immigration benefits and prepare these for review by Immigration legal staff 

• Assist with legal research and with drafting motions to submit before the immigration court under the supervision of an attorney or DOJ accredited representative. 

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date physical and electronic files with detailed case notes, enter data in a timely manner 

• Assist in outreach efforts to let the community know about events and immigration services offered by IRC 

• Other duties as needed and assigned by immigration program managers 

SUPERVISION & MENTORSHIP:  

• The intern will report to and receive ongoing mentorship from IRC Case Management staff 

• Regular check-ins will be scheduled to review progress toward learning objectives to ensure a meaningful educational experience 

• Performance will be evaluated based on learning and skill development 

REQUIREMENTS:  

• Current law students or recent graduates with interest or experience with immigration law 

• Must have reliable work hours and able to commit to a minimum of 25 hours a week during IRC office hours 

• Able to work independently and under pressure with multiple tasks and competing deadlines 

• The ideal candidates are independent, detail-oriented, and highly organized 

• Strong intercultural communication skills; demonstrated ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and across language barriers 

• Ability to communicate effectively in English; additional fluency in one of the following languages is desirable, but not required: Arabic, Burmese, Dari, Pashto, Kinyarwanda, Kiswahili, French, Spanish 

• Ability to handle sensitive client information confidentially 

• Computer literacy, preferably with PC systems 

• Applicants must be open to evolving responsibilities 

TO APPLY:   

Interested applicants should submit an online application here (please only use this link to apply, not the Apply button on the IRC careers site) IRChttps://volunteer.rescue.org/opportunities/9c1pQiA7oT. Qualified applicants will be selected for initial phone screenings starting in October and continuing through mid-March, or until all positions are filled. Summer intern orientation will be held June 1, 2027. 

QUESTIONS? Email ircdenver.volunteer@rescue.org 

This is an unpaid educational internship designed to provide professional development and learning experience. No financial compensation, including compensation for relocation, is available.

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability. 

Professional Standards: All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

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Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Why Choose the IRC?

Work that has meaning: Every day at the IRC is a chance to make a difference through a purpose-driven career. Whether you're working directly with communities or providing support behind the scenes, you will be part of a dynamic team that is always innovating, scaling, and testing new and better solutions to ensure the best possible outcomes for the people we serve.

Global scale, dynamic workplace: At the IRC, we believe that the dynamic, global make-up of our team is our strength. When you join us, you're not just starting a job—you will be part of a global organization positively impacting millions of lives in over 40 get to work with colleagues from all around the world—working across time zones and regularly exchanging different ideas, perspectives and insights. You’ll join a team that is dedicated to fostering a supportive environment to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and heard.  

Challenging work, innovative solutions: We’re committed to excellence and innovation, and pride ourselves in setting industry-leading standards while practicing evidence and data-lead strategies. Come challenge norms, shatter conventions, and pioneer change while working on real, nuanced and complex issues we face in the world today.  

Community centered: We’re an empathetic community that truly cares for one another. Our comprehensive safety and security initiatives ensure a safe work environment, while our continuous learning and development programs provide ongoing opportunities for personal and career advancement.

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Our Typical Recruitment Process

The interview process typically includes three rounds, though the number may vary depending on the role and level of seniority. It usually begins with a conversation with our recruiting team to learn more about you and your goals. This is followed by an interview with a hiring manager or business stakeholder to explore your background and provide more insight into the role. The final round focuses on assessing your role-specific expertise and may be conducted as a panel interview to evaluate your cross-functional strengths. Before extending an offer, we generally conduct reference checks, and after an offer is made, a standard background check is completed. While we strive for consistency, the process may differ based on the role, business unit, location, job type, legal requirements, and other factors.

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