Prisoners' Rights Internship (Spring 2027, Non-Legal)

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.

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

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.

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. Why you're interested 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.