About KIND
Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) is a global leader in the protection of unaccompanied and separated children who are forcibly displaced from their countries of origin. Launched in 2008, KIND champions a world in which every child’s rights and well-being are protected throughout their journey to safety.
Building on its extensive programming and successful model in the United States, KIND is expanding in the Americas and Europe to bring its experience to bear in working with unaccompanied and separated children. Our work focuses on addressing the legal and mental health needs of this population; building strong partnerships and engaging in training and capacity strengthening with governments, NGOs, and the private sector; and advocating for systemic and pragmatic reforms to advance the rights of unaccompanied and separated children.
Position Summary
KIND seeks a Legal Intern, in the Hartford field office, for the Summer semester of 2026 (approximate dates are 5/26/2026-8/6/2026) to support the released and/or detained programs in providing pro bono legal representation to unaccompanied children in immigration court proceedings, and/or before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and/or state court proceedings. The exact hours and schedule will be discussed during interviews or prior to the start of the internship. The anticipated start date for this internship is May 26, 2026. KIND’s preference is for the intern to commit to 10 weeks for approximately 30-40 hours. This internship is unpaid but may be pursued for academic credit. We are happy to assist with work-study and funding from external sources is welcomed.
Essential Functions
- Supports the direct representation of unaccompanied children: Prepare legal filings, such as motions, affidavits, briefs, and/or applications or petitions for relief including: asylum; state court petitions in support of Special Immigration Juvenile Status (SIJS); SIJS petitions; U-visa petitions; T-visas applications; work authorization applications; and prepare for hearings or interviews before immigration court and/or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Client Engagement: Assist in scheduling legal screenings with prospective child clients, adult sponsors, and/or other agencies; observe and conduct legal screenings; draft case summaries and routine client correspondences.
- Legal Research: Research current trends in immigration and family law, other federal laws that may affect unaccompanied children, and country conditions; and draft memoranda of law.
- Case Management: Assists in maintaining case data management system through data entry, such as tracking court hearing dates and deadlines case activities, client communications, and case referrals.
- Develop Sample Materials: Prepare and update sample USCIS and immigration court filings, training materials, pro bono guides, and practice advisories.
- Programmatic Support: Participate in special projects for KIND attorneys and staff.
- Translation and Interpretation: Interpret at client meetings or legal screenings; and translate documents, such as birth, marriage, death certificates, client correspondences, or other Spanish-written documents.
- Meetings: Attend weekly virtual or in-person staff meetings, legal trainings, and presentations, if available.
- Community Outreach: Assist in presenting Know Your Rights presentations at resource fairs, schools, and in other community settings.
Qualifications and Requirements
- Must be currently enrolled in an accredited JD or LLM program.
- Fluency in Spanish and English (oral and written).
- Exceptional academic credentials, strong writing skills, and attention to detail.
- Experience in immigration and family law is strongly preferred.
- Experience working with children and survivors of trauma is preferred.
- Must be passionate about issues affecting unaccompanied immigrant children.
- Ability to work within an office environment and have regular interaction via telephone, videoconference, IM, and email with KIND's team.
A laptop will be provided for this role.
Application Instructions
To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter online. Applications that do not contain all of the above-listed required materials will not be considered. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled, and applicants selected for interviews will be duly notified. Please no inquiries or phone calls.
Externship requirements – if you are planning to complete an externship for academic credit, please indicate this in your cover letter.
Disclaimer: KIND is committed to an ethical recruitment and hiring process and maintains a firm “no fees” recruitment policy. We will never charge a fee or ask for money as part of the application process. KIND also conducts all interviews via telephone or video conference, and at no time will KIND engage in a text or mobile app-based application or interview process. For more information, please visit the following website: https://supportkind.org/join-the-team/kind-employment-practices/. 