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SUMMER LEGAL FELLOW

Download the job description here.

THE POSITION

The Human Trafficking Legal Center is seeking full-time legal fellows for the Summer 2027. As a host organization, the Human Trafficking Legal Center supports legal fellow applicants in applying to law school-sponsored or other summer internship funding. To supplement funding from fellows’ law schools or other scholarship programs, the Human Trafficking Legal Center provides a modest stipend of $1,000 for the summer. 

THE MISSION

The Human Trafficking Legal Center is a bridge to justice for trafficking survivors. The Human Trafficking Legal Center connects trafficking survivors with pro bono representation so they can seek justice and thrive. We demand accountability from traffickers, from governments, and from corporations. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Analyze trafficking cases using the Center’s civil litigation database; 
• Research and draft fact sheets and publications on issues related to the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA) and other human trafficking trends;
• Conduct legal research related to the TVPRA and strategic litigation;
• Assist with direct representation of clients in connection with immigration petitions and prepare immigration filings under the supervision of an experienced immigration attorney;
• Attend conferences and webinars on issues related to human trafficking and forced labor; 
• Conduct legal research on forced labor;
• Research and analyze import prohibitions against goods made with forced labor, including latest international developments; 
• Assist in drafting import ban policy memos, responses to calls for public input, and import ban petitions;
• Assist in the drafting and filing of amicus briefs in TVPRA cases; and
• Provide support to the legal team as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong interest and commitment to human rights and public interest law;
• Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills;
• Excellent communication skills; 
• Ability to handle several tasks at once while working independently or as a member of a team; and
• Willingness to take initiative and master unfamiliar areas of law.

The organization works on a hybrid basis. The organization prefers that fellows work in person in the Washington, D.C. office. Fellows are expected to be in the Human Trafficking Legal Center’s office at least one day each week.  

The legal fellowship program begins in May and ends in August, although dates are flexible. Candidates must be available for 35 hours/week minimum over ten weeks. Authorization to work in the United States is required. Applicants must be law students currently enrolled in law school.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE

Open until filled. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

TO APPLY

Please send your cover letter, resume, short writing sample (2-5 pages), and a list of 3 references, all in PDF format, to applications@htlegalcenter.org with “Summer Law Fellow Application” in the subject line. 

Only selected applicants will be contacted for video or in-person interviews. NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE.