Legal Intern at Neighborhood Association for Inter-Cultural Affairs, Inc. – Bronx, New York

Join a team where your professional growth directly impacts vulnerable families across New York City by providing crucial housing services and eviction prevention legal support that helps clients achieve permanent, stable housing.

At NAICA, we’re committed to being an employer of choice by attracting top talent, fostering an engaging work environment, and providing the support you need to advance your career while making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Title: Legal Intern

Location: Bronx, NY (On-site)

Reports to: Director of Legal Services

Pay Range: $17.00 - $17.00 per hour

FLSA Classification: Non-exempt

Status: Part time (up to 25 hours per week)

About NAICA: Since 1974, NAICA has provided culturally and linguistically client-centered housing, legal, and social support services to residents of the Bronx. Our mission is to promote self-efficacy and improve the quality of life for individuals and families across New York.

NAICA’s Legal Department provides free legal services to low-income households facing eviction and those residents with immigration matters throughout the Bronx. We advise, assist, and represent tenants to prevent displacement, secure essential repairs, and ensure access to critical public benefits. Our Immigration attorney can provide advice, representation and referrals for low-income Bronx residents with immigration matters. Through direct representation, housing advocacy, and community education, NAICA serves some of New York City’s most vulnerable communities.

About the NAICA Legal Support Center: The legal support center provides advice, representation and referrals for underserved and marginalized immigrants in the Bronx. We provide free legal services and consultations in a culturally and linguistically sensitive manner, working closely with clients, community partners, the Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) and social service providers.

Role Summary: NAICA seeks law students to join our Legal Department as Legal Interns/Fellows during the Fall, Spring, or summer terms. Interns work directly with the Staff Attorney and gain hands-on experience in Immigration law. This internship is ideal for students interested in civil legal services, immigration law, public interest law, and direct client advocacy.

Primary Job Responsibilities/Duties:

The Legal Intern is responsible for, but not limited to:

Support Staff Attorney handling matters in various Immigration Courts and at Know Your Rights workshops. Conduct legal research and draft memos, briefs, motions, and other substantive filings. Draft legal correspondence. Shadow Staff Attorneys during proceedings. Attend client meetings and assist with case preparation.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to walk, stand, kneel, crouch, and bend over.   Ability to lift, reach, and handle objects weighing up to 25 pounds.   Ability to sit at a desk and work on a computer for prolonged periods.   Ability to travel to different locations within New York City, as needed

Work Environment / Schedule Requirements:

While standard business hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, employees may be required to work on or during evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Qualifications:

Open to 1L and 2L law students (full-time or evening programs). Strong interest in immigration law, public interest work, civil legal services, or poverty law. Excellent legal research, writing, and analytical skills. Familiarity with immigration law and previous immigration internship or clinic experience is a plus. Ability to work with clients from diverse backgrounds with sensitivity and professionalism. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Commitment to racial, economic, and housing justice. Spanish proficiency is a plus but not required.

Learning Outcomes:

Gain direct experience in immigration law. Strengthen legal research, writing, and courtroom skills. Develop a working understanding of immigration law. Learn how to support clients navigating USCIS, the court system, and any applicable public benefits. Build the competencies required for public interest legal practice.

Equal Employment Opportunity

NAICA is an equal opportunity employer committed to maintaining a diverse workforce and inclusive work environment. As such, discrimination in any aspect of hiring or employment based upon age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, military or veteran status, sex, disability (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), or other applicable legally protected characteristics is strictly prohibited. 

Applicants of all backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to apply. NAICA will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations. NAICA also offers reasonable accommodations as required by applicable federal, state, and/or local laws. Applicants seeking an accommodation for any part of the application or interview process should contact Human Resources by sending an email to HumanResources@naicany.org with the Subject “Reasonable Accommodation Request.” 

Competitive Benefits Package

Comprehensive Health, Dental and Vision Benefits for full-time employees  403(b) Retirement Savings Plans  Loan Forgiveness Programs for eligible employees  Paid Holidays and Vacation  Paid Time-off  Vol Life Insurance and AD&D  Term Life and AD&D insurance  Long Term Disability  Employee Assistance Program support (EAP)  Commuter Benefits Program  Aflac: Short-Term Disability, CA, Accident and Hospital  Employee Discount Program 

False Statements

Misrepresentation of your experience, skills, education, or other qualifications, or submission of false/fraudulent information or documentation during or after the application process may result in the rejection of your application or termination of your employment.  

At-Will Employment Disclaimer

While we sincerely hope to form a long and mutually beneficial working relationship, NAICA is an at-will employer. Therefore, employment is subject to termination at any time, with or without notice or cause, at the discretion of you or the organization.