At this time, Casa Cornelia Law Center has suspended its in-person internship program due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and regrets it is not currently accepting internship applications from undergraduate students.

Casa Cornelia Law Center offers students a diverse and exciting opportunity to volunteer as Legal Administrative Assistants or as General Law Clerks. We invite you to apply and be part of our efforts to provide quality pro bono representation to those in need.

Candidates are selected according to the needs of the law firm, as well as the interests and skillsets of the interns. We accept students for the following sessions/semesters:

• Fall – August through December
• Spring – January through May
• Summer – June through August

Students volunteering must commit a minimum of 12 hours per week to Casa Cornelia. All students participate in a required orientation workshop prior to the beginning of each internship session. They are offered opportunities to participate in professional trainings and webinars, and may have the opportunity to accompany a legal team member to court hearings.

Although our internships are unpaid, many schools offer work study, unit credit, or grants. Law students are also encouraged to explore funding opportunities for their participation in Casa Cornelia’s volunteer program through their school’s community service or pro bono program.

LEGAL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT INTERNSHIP PROGRAM​

Casa Cornelia offers the opportunity to undergraduate and graduate students interested in our programs to intern as Legal Administrative Assistants, thus providing meaningful support to our programs and staff.

Although no legal experience is required, preference is given to students with professional or related work experience. They must be able to master advanced word processing skills, create and distribute complex documents, develop analytical and statistical reports, and create presentations. Fluency in a second language is desired.

LAW CLERK INTERNSHIP PROGRAM​

Casa Cornelia offers the opportunity to law students to work directly with staff attorneys in our programs. General Law Clerks will research case law, statutes, and country conditions. They may draft trial briefs and assist with trial preparation, including filings and client interviews.

2L or 3L students are preferred as law clerk applicants. They must have strong research and writing skills, be detail-oriented, and have a desire to gain practical experience while helping others. Fluency in a second language is desired.

CLINICAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Casa Cornelia’s Clinical Internship Program offers an opportunity for law students to represent detained asylum seekers before San Diego Immigration Court. Clinical interns receive trial experience, which includes arguing the merits of asylum cases as well as presenting cross-examinations and closing statements before Immigration Judges. In addition, they will prepare the asylum applications, declarations, gather documentary evidence, and conduct other litigation functions. Preference is given to 3L students and post bar clerks who have completed courses in Immigration Law, Evidence, and Civil Procedure. Preference is also given to students who have been active in either Moot Court or Trial Advocacy. The Clinical Internship Program is not open to 1L students.

Applicants should enroll in the Clinic as part of their school’s internship program for at least 2 to 3 credit hours, be committed to work a minimum of 180 hours during the term on their client’s case, and be prepared to carry out their duties in a professional manner.

TO APPLY

Please email your cover letter, resume, and unofficial transcript to InternApplicants@casacornelia.org. Cover letters may be addressed to Pro Bono Program Managing Attorney, Devra Davis. When applying, please indicate the programs that interest you (Asylum, Unaccompanied Children, Victims of Crime, and/or Volunteer Interpreter and Translator). Should your application be chosen to proceed in the selection process, you will be contacted.

Strong preference will be given to applications received within these timeframes.

Spring 2023 Internship – Please apply between September and December.

Summer 2023 Internship – Please apply between January and April.

Fall 2023 Internship – Please apply between May and August.