Legislative Intern

VLA seeks State Legislative Intern for Winter 2025

Vermont Legal Aid is a non-profit law firm that strives to advance fairness and justice in the civil legal system, address the social and economic interests of our clients, and confront the underlying causes of poverty, discrimination and inequality. Vermont Legal Aid is seeking an intern for the legislative session to support our policy advocacy in the State House. Interns will learn the legislative process, develop advocacy skills, and will develop subject matter knowledge in the areas of housing, health care, public benefits, civil rights, judicial, and other legal issues facing Vermont Legal Aid’s clients.

The intern will ensure VLA attorneys and lay advocates have current information on committee schedules and the legislative calendar, monitor House and Senate committee hearings, and track the progress of legislation and appropriations. Interns will be expected to participate in VLA’s legislative committee meetings, provide summaries of hearings to advocates, and conduct research to support advocacy efforts. Depending on experience and time available, the intern may have opportunities to write testimony or provide oral testimony to legislators.  

Applicants must have excellent organization, communication, and writing skills. This position is based in Montpelier, requiring travel to Montpelier and attendance at legislative committee hearings. Applications will be accepted from law students, graduate, and undergraduate students. 

A minimum of 15 hours per week of time is required, but this internship can be up to full time. The intern needs to be available for training and orientation in December. The internship begins in early January and continues until the legislature adjourns, usually in mid-May. 

While the internship is unpaid, Vermont Legal Aid will provide any necessary paperwork for interns who can secure funding through another source, or for interns seeking college credit. Mileage reimbursement for travel will also be available. 

Application & Selection Process

To apply directly, please e-mail a cover letter, resume, unofficial law school, graduate or undergraduate transcript, and at least 2 references to hiring@vtlegalaid.org on or before October 1, 2024 with the subject line 2025 Winter Legislative Internship Program. 

Applications may be mailed to:

Vermont Legal Aid
264 North Winooski Ave.
Burlington, VT 05401
Attn: Winter Legislative Internship Program