Prisoners' Rights Intern

The Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs (WLC) Prisoners’ Rights Internship provides students with firsthand experience investigating conditions in jails and prisons throughout the country. The Prisoners’ Rights Internship Program is typically designed for undergraduates; however, other students are welcome to apply if they are interested in a non-legal internship experience with the Committee.

Applicants must receive academic credit or outside compensation (equivalent to DC’s minimum wage) to participate in internships at the Committee. You should include information about how you plan to receive credit or outside compensation in your application materials. See the section “Application Instructions” below for more details. 

This position is currently hiring for Fall 2026. The internship requires a commitment of 20-40 hours/week and typically last 10-14 weeks. Internships are a combination of in-person and remote work. Fully remote internships are not currently available.

Applications for this role are due on Friday, July 31 at 12pm EST. Preference will be given to those who apply sooner, and we may close the portal earlier or later depending on the number of applications we receive.

About the role

The Prisoners’ Rights team brings cases and advocates on behalf of people sentenced out of D.C. that aim to challenge the unconstitutional practices of the D.C. Department of Corrections and the federal Bureau of Prisons. Undergraduate interns collaborate directly with our Prisoners’ Rights team to respond to requests for assistance and to advocate on behalf of people who are incarcerated in the D.C. Department of Corrections or the federal Bureau of Prisons.

Responsibilities

Depending on the needs of our cases and clients at a given time, undergraduate interns should expect to allocate their work time as follows: 

60% of their time will be spent working on the Prisoners’ Letter Project. This work will include:

• Reviewing, organizing, processing, and responding to correspondence from individuals who are incarcerated;
• Managing client records and updating our client database;
• Fielding phone calls from clients, family members, and prison staff;
• Creating self-help materials; and, 
• Tracking and analyzing trends in unconstitutional conditions of confinement.

20% of their time will be spent on supporting our current litigation and investigation. This work will include:

• Scheduling and participating in legal calls with clients;
• Drafting and submitting FOIA requests on behalf of clients; 
• Reviewing and analyzing client records; 
• Corresponding with potential clients and/or loved ones of people who are incarcerated; and,
• Participating in team strategy meetings and co-counsel meetings. 

20% of their time will be spent on other assignments, depending on the needs of our cases and clients. In the past, these assignments have included:

• Visiting local jail/prison facilities to meet with current or potential clients;
• Conducting research on relevant issues and policies related to incarceration;
• Drafting advocacy letters and press releases; and,
• Participating in team meetings and providing administrative support to the team.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and qualifications:

• Commitment to social and racial justice reform;
• Awareness of and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations;
• Excellent organizational and administrative skills;
• Ability to manage competing priorities, take initiative, and communicate effectively regarding the status of various projects;
• Ability to maintain a high level of professionalism, including reliability and adherence to company policies and standards; and,
• Ability to communicate in Spanish or other languages is desired, but by no means required.

Application Instructions

As noted above, applicants must receive academic credit or outside compensation (equivalent to DC’s minimum wage) to participate in the Prisoners’ Rights Internship. You will be prompted to upload your materials below, including a resume and cover letter. In your cover letter, please be sure to explain:

1. Your interest in the internship;
2. Your experience with and/or commitment to prisoners’ rights;
3. Your anticipated start and end dates (Please note that we coordinate our intern cohort's start date due to an intensive onboarding process. As such, be sure to include your most accurate anticipated start date. We expect interns to be in DC for the term; however, our training is hybrid so if you would need to start remotely, please include the earliest time you are comfortable doing so. Providing a start date that you know will work with your schedule (rather than the earliest potential date, for example) is preferred);
4. Your anticipated hours per week; and, 
5. An explanation of how you will receive academic credit or outside compensation equivalent to DC’s minimum wage (you do not need to have your credit or compensation finalized when submitting your application— we just ask that you explain your plan for acquiring it). 

The Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs is an equal opportunity employer. Diversity is an essential component of the Committee, and we encourage all qualified persons to apply. Applicants are accorded an equal opportunity for selection without regard to actual or perceived race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibility, personal appearance, matriculation, or political affiliation. 

[]