About the role#
UnCommon Law is seeking an undergraduate student to join our Operations and Finance team for the Spring 2027 semester. This internship provides hands-on experience in how a nonprofit organization manages daily operations and internal systems. You will learn how administrative processes like reception, correspondence, and records management support our programs and mission. This is a part-time role requiring 15 to 20 hours per week.
What you'll do#
- Learn nonprofit reception by greeting callers, gathering information, and logging messages.
- Manage incoming mail by scanning, logging, organizing, and triaging documents.
- Handle outgoing mail by packaging, tracking, and mailing organizational materials.
- Support office organization, records management, and inventory projects.
- Assist the team with short-term Operations and Finance projects.
What you'll need#
- Compassion for incarcerated people and their families, along with a demonstrated interest in criminal justice reform.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects at the same time.
- Sensitivity to confidential matters.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Suite, and CRM software.
- We strongly prefer candidates with Spanish language skills.
Location & details#
- This is a hybrid position based in Oakland, California.
- You must be able to work at least 8 hours per week in the office.
- The term runs from January 11, 2027, to May 14, 2027.
- This position is unpaid and includes a $600 stipend per semester.
About UnCommon Law
UnCommon Law is a nonprofit organization based in Oakland, California. Founded in 2006, the firm provides legal representation and advocacy for individuals serving life sentences for violent crimes. The team of 44 employees focuses on parole board preparation, criminal justice reform, and trauma-informed support. Their work aims to create pathways home for incarcerated people while addressing the systemic issues of mass incarceration.
How to get in at UnCommon Law
Securing an internship at UnCommon Law requires a proactive approach to the application process. Because these roles are competitive, Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a position is published, allowing you to apply among the first before the volume of applicants grows. Early applications often ensure your materials are reviewed while the team is still actively building their candidate pool. You can also use Intern Insider to surface the specific recruiters behind these roles. Reaching out directly to ask about the position or to request a referral often improves your response rates compared to applying through a general queue. This direct connection helps you stand out as a candidate who has done the research and understands the mission of the organization.
