Detained Immigration Program Law Student – Spring Internship

Job overview

The Detained Immigration Program Law Student – Spring Internship is an in-person, unpaid internship in Batavia, NY, for the Spring 2027 semester. The Erie County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project provides free civil legal services to low-income people and small nonprofit groups.

What you'll do

• Interview detained clients at the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility in Batavia and screen them for relief
• conduct legal research, gather evidence, and research country conditions
• observe and potentially participate in an Immigration Court hearing.

What we're looking for

Skills & competencies

law student internship

detained immigration

immigration law

client interviews

legal research

evidence gathering

batavia ny

spring 2027

unpaid internship

jd student

ll.m. student

volunteer lawyers project

Work arrangement

• Weekend coverage required

Benefits & perks

• Direct client interaction
• court observation
• networking with local attorneys
• in-house training, supervision, and mentorship
• potential court appearances for qualified students
• complimentary VLP-sponsored CLE programs
• commitment letters for alternate funding applications.

Why this role

Applicants must be current JD or LL.M. students and able to work from the Batavia office and commute regularly to the detention facility. Spanish or French fluency is a plus. The posting lists direct client interaction, court observation, training, supervision, mentorship, and CLE attendance.

About the employer

Erie County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project is hiring for this role. Industry: Professional Organizations. Sector: 81.