About the role#
The Workers' Rights Clinic supports low-income workers in the DMV area. This internship offers experience in assisting individuals who face workplace injustice, including wage violations and discrimination. You will support the clinic's goal of addressing racial inequity by providing workers with tools to hold employers accountable.
What you'll do#
Your time will be divided between administrative support, clinic operations, and project-based assignments. Key responsibilities include:
- Reviewing and responding to inquiries from workers seeking legal advice.
- Managing client records and updating the internal database.
- Fielding phone calls and scheduling workers for intakes.
- Conducting legal intakes with workers.
- Drafting demand letters and other necessary documents.
- Supporting the workers' rights advocate during clinic hours.
- Answering questions for intake volunteers and connecting them with workers.
- Conducting research on relevant issues or employers.
- Creating educational materials and performing community outreach.
What you'll need#
- A commitment to social and racial justice reform.
- Sensitivity to the needs of individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
- Strong organizational and administrative skills.
- The ability to manage competing priorities and communicate project status effectively.
- Professionalism and reliability in all tasks.
- Availability to staff at least one weekly clinic session.
- Proficiency in Spanish or other languages is a plus.
Location & details#
- This is a hybrid role based in Washington, DC.
- The internship requires a commitment of 15-30 hours per week for 8-14 weeks.
- This position is unpaid. Applicants must be able to receive academic credit or outside compensation equivalent to DC minimum wage.
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.
