Legal Aid DC, a nonprofit organization with an approximately $18 million annual budget and a staff of approximately 125 employees, is seeking a Fall Intern to join our Pro Bono Program.

Since 1932, Legal Aid has provided civil legal assistance to clients in individual cases and engaged in systemic reform. Currently, we provide individual representation in consumer law, domestic violence/family law, housing, public benefits, and immigration matters. We also help people with the collateral consequences of their involvement with the criminal justice system. From the experiences of our clients, we identify opportunities for law reform, public policy advocacy, and systemic impact and appellate litigation. Legal Aid also administers the DC Resource Bridge, a single access point for legal services in the District.  

Legal Aid believes that meaningful pursuit of our anti-poverty mission requires an unwavering commitment to racial justice and equity. We aspire both to reflect the rich racial diversity of the communities we serve and to value, respect, and empower our staff and clients to be effective agents of change. For more information about Legal Aid please visit our website, www.LegalAidDC.org. 

Our work is supported through public and private grants and private fundraising from individuals, law firms, and other contributors. 

This internship is for Fall 2026 and will be 12 weeks in duration. Interns at Legal Aid DC have the unique opportunity to receive substantive assignments that will have an immediate impact on our clients. Legal Aid will help Fall semester interns receive course credit for their internships. Interns work out of Legal Aid’s offices in NW DC, with the option to perform some work remotely if approved by their supervisor. Fall interns should expect to work at least 12 hours per week.

Legal Aid DC’s wide-ranging Pro Bono Program includes, among other things, specialized projects with individual law firms in the District, case referrals to pro bono counsel throughout the District’s legal community, loaned associates who are embedded at Legal Aid for rotations, co-counseling arrangements, and much more. 

Responsibilities

Under the guidance of supervisors: 

• Conduct initial telephone screening of individuals seeking legal assistance.  
• Contact clients to explain pro bono placement opportunities and assess interest. 
• Respond to written and email requests for assistance. 
• Draft case summaries for circulation to prospective pro bono counsel. 
• Conduct or assist with client intakes and follow up interviews. 
• Assist in preparing for and conducting client meetings. 
• Observe and shadow landlord-tenant court proceedings.  
• Assist attorneys in requesting, obtaining, and organizing clients' records.  
• Prepare case materials for referral to pro bono counsel or other legal services providers. 
• File, copy, and retrieve documents from the D.C. Superior Court and various local agencies. 
• Monitor case developments and communicate updates to internal team. 
• Provide general administrative support. 
• Attend program meetings, skills workshops, Legal Aid staff meetings. 

Requirements: Current law school student or law school graduate interested in public interest and or pro bono. 

Scholarship Funding

Interns will receive a scholarship of up to $2,585 for the 12-week internship. Interns will not receive scholarship funding if they receive outside funding for their internship, or they are interning through a school program that precludes them from being paid.  

To Apply

Legal Aid values an inclusive, diverse workplace and encourages applications from interested persons from diverse backgrounds of any race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, personal appearance, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.  

We strongly encourage applications from people with personal experience with the criminal justice system and/or with lived experiences in the communities we serve.  

Submit your application, cover letter, resume, writing sample and transcript or letter of matriculation here. Applications will be accepted until 5:00 pm EST July 22, 2026.