Summer Law Clerk

Overview

Clerkship Dates: 5/26/26 – 7/31/26

Clerkship

Location:

Los Angeles

Immigrant Defenders Law Center (“Imm Def”) is a next-generation, social justice law firm that provides high-quality representation and legal services to immigrants in Southern California and beyond. Imm Def was founded with the belief that no immigrant should be forced to face an unjust immigration system alone, and our universal representation programs are a first step toward that goal. Imm Def represents thousands of adults, children, and families annually who have complex, urgent legal needs.

Learn more def.org.

Imm Def is seeking Rising 2L and 3L Summer Law Clerks to join the largest non‑profit, universal representation model deportation defense team in California.

Imm Def’s ability to provide stipends for Summer Law Clerks is currently limited due to uncertainty surrounding federal funding. At this time, we cannot guarantee stipends, and some positions may be unpaid. We encourage applicants to secure their own outside funding from law school and other sources. If several clerks can secure independent funding, we may reallocate funds to ensure all receive at least a combined $7,500.00 in funding from all sources.

Clerks work collaboratively with staff attorneys, paralegals, administrative support, and case managers to provide client‑centered representation. They supervise attorneys and staff providing direct deportation removal defense representation. Clerks receive training, direct client experience, and opportunities to observe and practice skills that prepare them for careers serving our client population, including unaccompanied children, adults with mental competency issues, and individuals and families facing deportation and family separation.

• Client intakes, interviews, and legal screenings
• Drafting declarations and applications to be submitted to the immigration court, USCIS, and/or state courts
• Research and writing legal issues related to immigration, criminal, and child welfare law
• Supervised appearances in immigration court, and, if available, family or probate court

• Spanish proficiency is strongly preferred for the Children’s Representation Project and Locally Funded Initiatives Project (serving adults and families)
• Other projects (Litigation and Advocacy Project, National Qualified Representation, Post‑Conviction Relief Project, Policy Clerkship) do not have a language requirement

• Cover letter and resume required. Indicate which Imm Def office(s) – Los Angeles
• Writing sample and/or references by request

• Currently enrolled in a U.S. law school, working toward a J.D. or L.L.M. degree
• Work experience or law school course in immigration law or related experience is helpful, but not required
• Experience in a nonprofit or law firm practicing public interest, litigation, immigration, criminal, or child custody law is helpful, but not required
• Interest or experience in working with marginalized populations and survivors of trauma required
• Prior work experience (legal or otherwise) in a fast‑paced, dynamic work environment is helpful
• Strong case management, legal research, and legal writing skills
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work independently
• Commitment to working in a diverse professional environment
• Passion for social justice for immigrants required
• DACA recipients are encouraged to apply

Must submit a cover letter to be considered. Due to the large number of applicants, we are unable to respond to every applicant and will only contact those invited to interview.

This is a temporary Summer Law Clerk position for rising 2L or 3L law school students, for a 10‑week term beginning May 26, 2026, through July 31, 2026. Imm Def requires summer law clerks to apply for funding from their university or a third‑party scholarship or stipend fund. If a Summer Law Clerk is unable to secure funds, Imm Def may have limited funds available to offset the costs of their summer experience, as described in detail in the job description.

Internship

Full‑time

Legal

Non‑profit Organizations