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Youth Law Center · 3 months ago

2026 Summer Legal Intern / Law Clerk

United States

Internship

Remote

Intern

Start in 2026 Summer

Youth Law Center (YLC) invites current 1L & 2L students to explore their interest in creating systemic change in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems by applying to join us as a summer 2026 legal intern. Interns will contribute to various advocacy projects, receive training, and develop writing samples while working closely with attorneys in a collaborative environment.

LegalNon ProfitProfessional Services

Responsibilities

Contribute to a variety of YLC's ongoing and emerging advocacy projects based on particular interests and strengths

Develop at least one strong writing sample for future job and funding applications

Receive training through our annual summer seminar series, providing overviews of the child welfare and juvenile justice systems, different strategic approaches to youth and child advocacy, opportunities in public interest law, and key systemic issues informing YLC's advocacy work today

Participate in YLC team meetings, strategic advocacy meetings, and other workgroups on areas of interest

Receive close one-on-one supervisory support and feedback from one or more YLC attorneys

Meet with YLC staff to discuss career interests and opportunities in the field in greater depth

Complete one or more substantial research and writing projects

Potential opportunities to observe legislative hearings and to visit juvenile facilities (as available and depending on location)

Receive invitations to YLC and other summer intern events

Qualification

Research skillsWriting skillsChild advocacy experienceNonprofit legal aid interestCollaborationCommunication

Required

Current 1L & 2L law students

Excellent research and writing skills

Ability to stay directed and focused in a fully remote work environment

Experience and/or interest in child and youth advocacy

Desire to explore nonprofit legal aid and systemic advocacy environments as a possible career path

Personal lived experience in child welfare and juvenile justice systems (strongly encouraged to explain in cover letter)

People from historically marginalized identities that are disproportionately represented in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems (strongly encouraged to apply)