About the role#
This internship focuses on housing and civil advocacy. You will work within an interdisciplinary team to support our mission of challenging the criminalization of poverty. Interns assist with direct representation for tenants and people experiencing homelessness in St. Louis. While your primary focus is on Missouri civil courts, you may also gain exposure to criminal, municipal, and federal proceedings.
What you'll do#
- Research facts and legal questions to support our claims.
- Draft memos, motions, pleadings, and other legal documents.
- Assist with discovery and investigation tasks.
- Interview and communicate with clients or class members.
- Attend court proceedings alongside staff attorneys.
- Coordinate with staff to help expand our reach and support our mission.
What you'll need#
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Proficiency in legal research and writing.
- A detail-oriented approach to working in a team environment.
- Ability to solve problems and work independently under time constraints.
- Flexibility to adapt to changing organizational needs.
- A commitment to racial and economic justice.
- Awareness of power, privilege, and oppression, along with cultural sensitivity toward diverse populations.
Location & details#
- This is a full-time, unpaid internship based on-site in St. Louis, Missouri. A stipend of up to $4,200 may be available if you cannot secure outside funding.
- The term runs from June 1, 2027, to July 30, 2027. Attendance at a mandatory in-person orientation from June 1 to June 4 is required.
- Expected hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Interns must work exclusively with us during this term and cannot hold concurrent internships.
About ArchCity Defenders
ArchCity Defenders is a legal advocacy organization based in St. Louis, Missouri. Founded in 2009, the group provides civil and criminal legal representation alongside social services. It focuses on addressing the criminalization of poverty and state violence in communities of color. The organization employs a holistic model that integrates legal work with policy and media advocacy.
How to get in at ArchCity Defenders
Applying to ArchCity Defenders requires a clear understanding of their focus on civil rights and systemic advocacy. Because roles in public interest law are competitive, Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a position is published so you can apply among the first. Getting your application in early ensures your materials are reviewed before the volume of candidates grows too large. You can also use Intern Insider to surface the recruiters behind these roles to reach out directly. Asking a thoughtful question about the organization or requesting a referral often improves your response rate compared to submitting a cold application through a general queue.
