The Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs (WLC) Prisoners’ Rights Internship provides students with firsthand experience investigating conditions in jails and prisons throughout the country. These internship positions are often filled by undergraduate students; however, those who have completed undergraduate degrees are also welcome to apply. To be clear, this is not a legal internship.
Applicants must be able to receive academic credit or outside compensation (equivalent to DC’s minimum wage) to participate in internships at the Committee. You should include information about how you plan to receive credit or outside compensation in your application materials. See the section “How to Apply” below for more details.
Fall prisoners’ rights internships require a commitment of 15-40 hours/week and typically last 8-14 weeks. Our ideal start date is September 3rd. Internships are a combination of in-person and remote work. Fully remote internships are not currently available. We know that most students will also have a full course load, and we understand that academics will always come first. We will work with students to coordinate internship hours (remote and in-person) that work best for everyone.
Applications for this role are due on July 8th. Preference will be given to those who apply sooner.
Overview
The Prisoners’ Rights team brings cases and advocates on behalf of people sentenced out of D.C. that aim to challenge the unconstitutional practices of the D.C. Department of Corrections and the federal Bureau of Prisons. Undergraduate interns collaborate directly with our Prisoners’ Rights team to respond to requests for assistance and to advocate on behalf of people who are incarcerated in the D.C. Department of Corrections or the federal Bureau of Prisons. Depending on the needs of our cases and clients at a given time, undergraduate interns should expect to allocate their work time as follows:
- 50% of their time will be spent working on the Prisoners’ Letter Project. This work will include:
- Reviewing, organizing, processing, and responding to correspondence from individuals who are incarcerated;
- Managing client records;
- Creating self-help materials; and,
- Tracking and analyzing trends in unconstitutional conditions of confinement.
- 30% of their time will be spent on supporting our current litigation and investigation. This work will include:
- Scheduling and participating in legal calls with clients;
- Drafting and submitting FOIA requests on behalf of clients;
- Reviewing and analyzing client records;
- Corresponding with potential clients and/or loved ones of people who are incarcerated; and,
- Participating in team strategy meetings and co-counsel meetings.
- 20% of their time will be spent on other assignments, depending on the needs of our cases and clients. In the past, these assignments have included:
- Visiting local jail/prison facilities to meet with current or potential clients;
- Conducting research on relevant issues and policies related to incarceration;
- Drafting advocacy letters and press releases; and,
- Participating in team meetings and providing administrative support to the team.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and qualifications:
- Commitment to social and racial justice reform;
- Awareness of and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations;
- Excellent organizational and administrative skills; and,
- Ability to manage competing priorities and to communicate effectively regarding the status of various projects.
How to Apply
As noted above, applicants must be able to receive academic credit or outside compensation (equivalent to DC’s minimum wage) to participate in the Prisoners’ Rights Undergraduate Internship. Please explain how you plan to fulfill this requirement in your cover letter. If you have questions regarding these requirements, please contact [email protected] and/or [email protected].
Applications should be sent to [email protected] and must include (preferably in one pdf) the following:
- Cover letter explaining:
- Your interest in the internship;
- Your experience with and/or commitment to prisoners’ rights;
- Your anticipated start and end dates;
- Your anticipated hours per week; and
- An explanation of how you will receive academic credit or outside compensation equivalent to DC’s minimum wage. (You do not need to have your credit or compensation finalized when submitting your application).
- Resume
- Brief writing sample that is no more than three pages (preferably it will showcase your ability to think critically and analyze an issue)
- Application materials and email subject should be formatted: “Last Name_Prisoners’ Rights Fall Internship.”
Applications for this role are due on July 8th. Preference will be given to those who apply sooner.
The Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs is an equal opportunity employer. Diversity is an essential component of the Committee, and we encourage all qualified persons to apply. Applicants are accorded an equal opportunity for selection without regard to actual or perceived race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibility, personal appearance, matriculation, or political affiliation.