Excellent hands on experience:
-conducting intake interviews with potential immigrant clients, both in person at a detention center and over the phone
-translating immigration court documents
-conducting country conditions research for asylum cases
-chance to witness immigration court proceedings, client preparation for testimony, etc.
-obtained a working understanding of immigration law
Other advantages:
-Wonderful location on Michigan Avenue right across from the Art Institute and the lake, super accessible via the Loop (public transportation.)
-Amazing, kind coworkers and supervisors who treated me like an equal (not just an intern) and asked me what I wanted to get out of the experience and helped me achieve those goals. Very willing to get lunch and give career advice.
What I wish was different
I would say about a third of my working hours involved data entry, but it was worth it because the other two thirds of my work was very helpful professional experience.
Advice
-Don't be afraid to ask for what you'd like in order to get the most out of the experience. By doing that, I had the opportunity to witness direct examination prep, which I would not have otherwise seen.
-Go to the CLE seminars (lunch & learn) meetings because they'll teach you more about immigration law and how to best support clients.
-Go above and beyond: If they ask you to find some articles on country conditions for an asylum case, don't just find the articles, but highlight pertinent information.
-When possible, ask coworkers if you have a question (instead of always going straight to your supervisor).
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Paralegal Intern
June - August 2018 • Chicago, IL
What I liked
I enjoyed the legal research, interviewing clients, and helping clients to file legal documents to apply for visas and relief from deportation
What I wish was different
I wish it had been a paid internship
Advice
I received lot's of work and responsibilities and was guided without being micromanaged.
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Immigrant Legal Defense Intern
June - August 2018 • Chicago, IL
What I liked
The work is very rewarding, everyone is super friendly and helpful, and it was a very informative experience.
What I wish was different
Nothing!
Advice
Don’t worry about not knowing too much early on. You’re there to learn and you will definitely learn a lot in your first week.
