Internship Program – Immigrant Advocacy

Job Description

Legal Services Intern | Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates

The Tone:
This is an internship at Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates (LIA), a nonprofit organization located on Michigan’s Lakeshore. LIA provides affordable immigration legal services and believes Michigan’s immigrant families strengthen the community and economy. Interns play a key role in advancing this mission by ensuring immigrant families have access to justice, respect, and stability, while also gaining meaningful professional experience.

The TL;DR
• Role: Internship
• Type: Part-time (12 to 20 hours per week for Fall & Winter terms; up to 20 hours per week for Summer term)
• Location: In-person, Holland, MI and Grand Rapids, MI

• Team: Works alongside attorneys, case managers, educators, and advocates.
• Mission: Support immigrant families by providing timely, compassionate services and ensuring their access to justice, respect, and stability.
• Tech Stack: Casemanagement systems, donor CRMs, digital communication platforms, Google Suite, Microsoft Office

What You’ll Actually Do
• Provide Direct Legal Assistance: Support attorneys with drafting asylum applications, preparing legal forms, and compiling necessary documents for cases, contributing to the timely delivery of compassionate services.
• Facilitate Client Intake & Support: Conduct client interviews, assist with the initial intake process, and manage client communications, ensuring sensitive information is handled with professionalism and discretion.
• Conduct Research & Case Preparation: Perform country conditions research, execute general legal research, and contribute to the preparation of comprehensive case materials for various immigration matters.
• Engage in Community Outreach: Participate in community outreach initiatives, support legal clinics, and assist with event planning to connect with and serve immigrant families.
• Utilize Professional Systems: Navigate and manage information within case-management systems, donor CRMs, and various digital communication platforms to maintain organized records and support operations.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Student (undergraduate, graduate, law), recent graduate, or other individual who demonstrates a passion for immigrant justice and alignment with LIA’s mission.
• Experience: No specific years of prior experience required; willingness to commit to a full term (January–April, May–August, or September–December) is essential.
• Skills: Strong communication skills in English; professionalism; discretion when handling sensitive client information; organizational ability; willingness to learn.
• Bonus: Fluency in Spanish, Arabic, Pashto/Dari, French, or other languages; familiarity with Google Suite or Microsoft Office; ability to commute to Holland or Grand Rapids locations, with occasional travel to offsite clinics.