Legal Intern (Unpaid / Academic Credit Eligible)

Legal Intern (Unpaid / Academic Credit Eligible)

FASD United – Justice Advisory Committee / Justice Center

Location: Remote (U.S.-based required)

Duration: Semester-based (Fall/Spring/Summer; flexible start dates)
Time Commitment: 10–15 hours per week (flexible based on academic requirements)
Compensation: Unpaid (academic credit or volunteer experience)

Position Overview

FASD United is seeking law students for a Legal Internship supporting its Justice Advisory Committee and Justice Center initiatives. This role offers hands-on experience at the intersection of law, disability, behavioral health, and public policy, with a focus on improving justice system outcomes for individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).

Interns will contribute to legal research, training development, and the creation of case-informed resources that support attorneys, courts, families, and policymakers.

Key Responsibilities

Legal Research & Analysis

• Conduct legal research on topics related to FASD and the justice system (e.g., competency, Miranda rights, sentencing, diversion, disability accommodations)
• Identify and summarize relevant case law, statutes, and emerging legal trends
• Support development of legal briefs, memoranda, and issue summaries

Amicus Brief Support

• Assist in research and drafting components of amicus curiae briefs
• Compile supporting evidence, citations, and interdisciplinary research (legal + clinical)
• Track relevant appellate and post-conviction cases involving FASD-related issues

Training & Resource Development

• Support the development of training materials for legal professionals (judges, defense attorneys, prosecutors, law enforcement)
• Assist in creating fact sheets, legal guides, and presentation materials
• Translate complex legal and clinical concepts into accessible formats

Committee & Program Support

• Assist with preparation of Justice Advisory Committee materials (agendas, summaries, research briefs)
• Support coordination of subject-matter experts and contributors
• Participate in internal discussions and contribute insights where appropriate

Learning Objectives

Interns will:

• Gain exposure to disability-informed legal frameworks and justice system reform
• Develop skills in legal research, policy analysis, and applied advocacy
• Engage with multidisciplinary professionals across law, behavioral health, and social services
• Build experience in nonprofit legal strategy and systems-level impact work

Qualifications

• Current law student (1L, 2L, or 3L) in good academic standing
• Strong legal research and writing skills
• Interest in criminal law, juvenile justice, disability law, public defense, prosecution, or public policy
• Ability to synthesize complex information across disciplines
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

Preferred (Not Required)

• Coursework or experience in criminal law, evidence, constitutional law, or disability rights
• Interest or experience related to FASD, neurodevelopmental disabilities, or behavioral health
• Experience with legal databases (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis)

Supervision & Structure

• Interns will be supervised by FASD United staff and/or designated legal advisors affiliated with the Justice Advisory Committee
• Regular check-ins and feedback will be provided
• Work may contribute to real-world legal resources, training materials, and policy initiatives

Academic Credit / Volunteer Structure

• This is an unpaid position
• FASD United will support documentation required for academic credit, externship programs, or pro bono hours
• Interns are responsible for coordinating with their academic institution for credit approval

How to Apply

Please submit:

1. Resume or CV
2. Brief statement of interest included in a cover letter (1–2 paragraphs)
3. Writing sample (legal or academic)
4. Availability (hours per week and preferred term)

About FASD United

FASD United is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing awareness, research, policy, and support for individuals and families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Through its Justice initiatives, works to improve legal system responses and outcomes for individuals with FASD.

Salary: Unpaid / Academic Credit Eligible

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