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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Justice Specialist Intern

💰 $ - $

LegalSocial JusticeNon-ProfitInternshipPublic PolicyCriminology

🎯 Role Definition

The Justice Specialist Intern is a pivotal, entry-level role for individuals passionate about the intersection of law, advocacy, and social change. This position is designed to provide immersive, practical experience within a justice-oriented organization, such as a legal aid society, public defender's office, non-profit advocacy group, or government agency. You will work alongside seasoned attorneys, paralegals, and policy experts, providing critical support on active cases, research projects, and community outreach initiatives. This is more than a typical internship; it is a frontline apprenticeship in the fight for fairness and equity, offering a unique chance to apply academic knowledge to real-world challenges and make a tangible impact on the lives of others.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Undergraduate or graduate programs in relevant fields (e.g., Law, Criminology, Public Policy, Social Work).
  • Volunteer roles with community-based organizations, legal aid clinics, or advocacy campaigns.
  • Paralegal studies or certificate programs.

Advancement To:

  • Justice Specialist or Case Manager
  • Paralegal or Legal Assistant
  • Policy Analyst or Research Associate

Lateral Moves:

  • Community Outreach Coordinator
  • Program Assistant in a non-profit or government setting

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Conduct comprehensive legal and factual research on case law, statutes, and procedural rules using online databases like Westlaw and LexisNexis to support legal arguments.
  • Assist attorneys and paralegals in all stages of case preparation, from initial client intake to hearing or trial preparation, including organizing evidence and witness lists.
  • Draft, proofread, and format a variety of legal documents, including motions, pleadings, affidavits, subpoenas, and client correspondence under the supervision of legal staff.
  • Engage in direct client communication, conducting intake interviews to gather essential case information and maintaining regular contact to provide updates and support.
  • Meticulously organize and maintain physical and digital client case files, ensuring all documentation, correspondence, and legal filings are accurately recorded and readily accessible.
  • Prepare detailed summaries and memoranda on legal research, depositions, client interviews, and other case-related materials for review by the legal team.
  • Observe and document legal proceedings, such as court hearings, depositions, and mediations, to gain firsthand experience and provide summary reports to the team.
  • Support the development of policy reform initiatives by researching social science data, legislative histories, and best practices from other jurisdictions.
  • Assist with the preparation of community education materials, such as "Know Your Rights" pamphlets, presentations, and website content.
  • Help screen potential clients for eligibility and provide appropriate information and referrals to individuals whose needs fall outside the organization's scope.
  • Analyze and synthesize large volumes of information from discovery documents, public records, and other sources to identify key facts and potential legal issues.
  • Participate in case strategy meetings, offering insights and contributing to the development of legal and advocacy plans.

Secondary Functions

  • Provide general administrative support to the legal team, including scheduling meetings, managing calendars, and handling mail.
  • Assist in the planning and execution of community outreach events, legal clinics, and advocacy-related workshops.
  • Attend and take detailed notes at coalition meetings, stakeholder convenings, and internal team meetings to keep the team informed of broader developments.
  • Update and maintain internal databases and case management systems with accurate and timely information on clients and case progress.
  • Support ad-hoc data requests by performing exploratory analysis on case data, demographic trends, or program outcomes to inform strategic decisions.
  • Contribute to the team's data-informed approach by providing insights on how data can be better collected, managed, and utilized for advocacy and reporting.
  • Collaborate with legal and policy teams to translate their analytical questions into clear data requests for technical staff.
  • Participate in team meetings and planning sessions, contributing to a collaborative and agile workflow to meet evolving project needs.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Legal Research: Proficiency in using legal research databases such as Westlaw, LexisNexis, and other academic or government sources.
  • Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced skills in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for drafting documents, analyzing data, and creating presentations.
  • Case Management Software: Familiarity with or ability to quickly learn platforms like Clio, LegalServer, or other industry-specific case management systems.
  • Citation Proficiency: Strong understanding of legal citation formats (e.g., Bluebook) for academic and legal writing.
  • Data Entry & Management: High accuracy and efficiency in entering and managing information in databases and spreadsheets.

Soft Skills

  • Empathy & Cultural Competency: A deep sense of empathy and the ability to work effectively and respectfully with diverse and often vulnerable populations.
  • Exceptional Communication: Superior written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely to both legal professionals and clients.
  • Critical Thinking & Analytical Skills: The ability to analyze complex factual and legal issues, identify key problems, and propose creative solutions.
  • Discretion & Ethical Judgment: Unwavering commitment to maintaining client confidentiality and upholding the highest ethical standards.
  • Resilience & Composure: The ability to remain calm, focused, and professional while working on sensitive cases and under tight deadlines.
  • Meticulous Attention to Detail: A sharp eye for detail to ensure accuracy in legal documents, data entry, and case file management.
  • Proactive & Self-Motivated: A strong sense of initiative and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision while knowing when to ask for guidance.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Currently enrolled in or a recent graduate of an accredited undergraduate or graduate degree program.

Preferred Education:

Currently pursuing a Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Public Policy (MPP), Master of Social Work (MSW), or a related advanced degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Law / Pre-Law
  • Criminology & Criminal Justice
  • Political Science & Public Policy
  • Sociology
  • Social Work

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0-2 years of relevant experience, typically gained through coursework, volunteer work, or previous internships.

Preferred:

A demonstrated and genuine interest in social justice, human rights, public defense, or policy advocacy as evidenced by prior coursework, volunteer activities, or participation in relevant student organizations. Lived experience related to the communities being served is highly valued.

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