Fall Legal Student Internship – Colorado Springs

Organization Overview: 

Colorado Legal Services (CLS) is Colorado’s statewide nonprofit legal aid program, with twelve offices providing civil legal assistance to low-income Coloradans throughout the state. CLS provides free legal assistance in a broad variety of legal areas, including family law, public benefits, eviction defense, consumer protection, services to survivors of serious crime and human trafficking, and many others.

CLS has strengthened lives, assisted families, and supported communities–one person at a time for over 100 years. We are committed to providing high-quality, free legal advice and representation to eligible individuals throughout Colorado. We have a long history of successful impact and advocacy. CLS strives to bring about substantive, transformational change in the lives of those we serve.

We value representation.

At CLS, we value and respect our staff's wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. We ensure representation of our client communities in our staff, Board of Directors and leadership teams. We also envision a fair, just, trusted, and harm reductionist legal system which emphasizes access to and implementation of true justice for every Coloradan. 

Position Summary: 

Law students perform a variety of duties at CLS depending on their experience level and the needs of the particular project or office. These duties include client interviews and case investigation, drafting of pleadings, memoranda and briefs, direct representation at administrative hearings and legal research.

In the Colorado Springs office of CLS, the law student will shadow and work in general legal services. In addition to the duties above, the law student will shadow attorneys at various hearings, including family law, public benefits, housing, consumer law, and other matters. The law student will have additional training on client-centered approaches. 

Essential Duties: 

• Draft letters and simple motions for review 

• Assist with hearing preparation, memos, legal research, client communication, and case management 

• If appropriate, advocate in court under the Law Student Practice requirements 

Required Qualifications: 

• Strong commitment to legal issues affecting low-income individuals 

• Strong interest in research, writing and interviewing 

• Candidate should be confident and able to work both independently and as part of a team 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Spanish-speaking ability 

Location: 

This position is supporting the Colorado Springs office. Some in-person hours required but we can consider hybrid or remote options for the right candidate. 

Time commitment: 

Part-time. 

Compensation: 

The position is unpaid but is open to receiving other work study funds that are student generated. Students may apply for course credit through their Externship Program. 

How to Apply:   

Please submit your resume and cover letter via the “Apply for This Job” link for this job opening on our careers page. We will not be reviewing applications sent via e-mail or physical mail. If you have questions about this internship or any others at Colorado Legal Services, please contact Kirsten Hoaby, Denver Volunteer and Pro Bono Manager, at khoaby@colegalserv.org