Summer Intern at the Seattle Immigration Court

The Seattle Immigration Court has an opening for a Summer 2012 volunteer legal intern.

Projects assigned vary depending on the court’s docket but will include:

• Research and preparation of memoranda on complex legal issues;
• Drafting decisions on motions pending before the court; and
• Drafting decisions on applications for relief from removal, such as asylum, withholding of removal, and protection under Article 3 of the U.N. Convention Against Torture.

The internship will entail in-depth research and analysis of novel legal issues, as well as preparation of legal memoranda for the immigration judges. Interns will have an opportunity to draft several decisions that will be taken under advisement by an immigration judge. Interns can expect to complete assignments that may later be used as writing samples. In addition, interns will be able to observe a variety of matters brought before the court. The intern will work under the supervision of the court’s judicial law clerk but will also have substantial interaction with the individual immigration judges.

Qualifications:

Law students entering their second or third year of law school are eligible and encouraged to apply. Applicants must currently be in student status. Prior knowledge of immigration law is helpful but not necessary. Strong research and writing skills are required.

All applicants must be United States citizens and must successfully complete an FBI background check before beginning their internship.

Interested students must submit a cover letter detailing their interest in the internship, resume, 5-10 page writing sample, law school transcript (unofficial acceptable), and contact information for three references by Monday, February 13, 2012.

Please submit application materials and direct inquiries to Joyce Adams, by phone at 206-370-3007 or via email atjoyce.adams@usdoj.gov.