About the role#
The Prisoners' Rights team advocates for people sentenced in D.C. to challenge unconstitutional practices within the D.C. Department of Corrections and the federal Bureau of Prisons. This non-legal internship is primarily designed for undergraduates to gain experience investigating conditions in jails and prisons. Interns collaborate directly with the team to respond to requests for assistance and support ongoing advocacy efforts.
What you'll do#
Your time is divided across three main areas of focus:
- Prisoners' Letter Project (60%): Review, organize, and process correspondence from incarcerated individuals, manage client records, update the database, field phone calls from clients and staff, create self-help materials, and track trends in confinement conditions.
- Litigation and investigation support (20%): Schedule and join legal calls with clients, draft and submit FOIA requests, analyze client records, correspond with potential clients or their families, and participate in strategy and co-counsel meetings.
- Additional assignments (20%): Visit local jail or prison facilities, research policies related to incarceration, draft advocacy letters and press releases, and provide administrative support.
What you'll need#
- A commitment to social and racial justice reform.
- Sensitivity to the needs of individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
- Strong organizational and administrative skills.
- The ability to manage competing priorities, take initiative, and communicate project status clearly.
- A high level of professionalism.
- Proficiency in Spanish or other languages is preferred but not required.
Location & details#
- This is an unpaid internship for Spring 2027. Applicants must receive academic credit or outside compensation equivalent to D.C. minimum wage to participate.
- The role requires a commitment of 20 to 40 hours per week for 10 to 14 weeks.
- Work is a hybrid of in-person and remote tasks. Fully remote work is not available.
- You will be based in Washington, D.C.
About Washington Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs
The Washington Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs is a nonprofit organization founded in 1968. Based in Washington, District of Columbia, the group focuses on civil rights litigation for marginalized communities across the DMV region and the country. Its work covers areas such as fair housing, workers' rights, and criminal legal system reform. The organization maintains a staff of 75 people and partners with pro bono lawyers to support its legal initiatives.
How to get in at Washington Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs
Securing an internship at the Washington Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs often comes down to timing. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published, which helps you apply among the first applicants before the pile grows. Getting your materials in early ensures you are seen while the team is still reviewing the initial pool. You can also use Intern Insider to surface the recruiters behind the company's roles. Reaching out directly to ask about the role or a referral often improves your response rate compared to waiting in a queue. It is a more effective way to demonstrate your interest in their civil rights work.
