About the role#
CIRA offers a legal externship for 3L students at the University of Nebraska College of Law. This program provides hands-on experience in immigration law and client-centered representation. You will work alongside a supervising attorney to manage immigration matters for low-income clients. The role is paid at $25.00 per hour and offers the potential for continued internship or full-time employment based on performance and organizational needs. You may also receive class credit through your law school.
What you'll do#
- Conduct legal research and draft documents.
- Prepare and file applications for immigration relief with USCIS and Immigration Court.
- Interview clients and develop case-specific questions.
- Analyze facts to determine eligibility for legal relief.
- Appear in Immigration Court and state court on behalf of clients using your Senior-Certified status.
- Build culturally competent and trauma-informed approaches to client interactions.
- Navigate complex conversations regarding client trauma or difficult legal decisions.
- Resolve professional ethics issues as they arise.
- Collaborate with the clinic team and maintain accurate case documentation.
What you'll need#
- Bachelor’s degree.
- Status as a 3L student at the University of Nebraska College of Law for the 2026-2027 academic year.
- Eligibility for Senior-Certified law student status to practice under a licensed attorney.
- Strong commitment to public interest legal services.
- Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds, faiths, and cultures.
- Proficiency in Office 365 and the ability to learn new software quickly.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Reliability, effective time management, and a self-directed work style.
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
- Ability to lift up to 20 lbs.
- Must be at least 18 years old and authorized to work in the United States.
- Ability to pass required background checks.
Location & details#
- Location: Lincoln, Nebraska.
- Modality: On-site.
- Schedule: 15-20 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM.
- Term: Winter 2027 and Summer 2027.
About CIRA - Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement
CIRA is a non-profit organization based in Omaha, Nebraska. Founded in 1999, the group provides legal representation, resettlement support, and social work services to immigrants and refugees. It operates across several locations in Nebraska to assist with asylum, workers rights, and family advocacy. The organization employs 88 people.
How to get in at CIRA - Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement
Applying early to CIRA provides a distinct advantage because recruiters review applications as they arrive. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published, helping you get your materials in before the pile grows. This timing often determines whether your resume is seen or buried in a high volume of submissions. You can use Intern Insider to identify the recruiters behind these roles and reach out directly to ask about the position or a potential referral. Connecting with a human being at CIRA often improves your response rate compared to waiting for a system to process your application.
