EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Center for Hope & Safety offers volunteer, unpaid internships (both full- and part-time) during the spring, summer, and fall. College credit can be arranged. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Center for Hope & Safety is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and desires a diverse work force. People of color, women, persons with disability, persons who are elderly, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender are welcomed and encouraged to apply. 

Legal Internship

The Legal Department at Center for Hope & Safety is seeking a 1L, graduate level intern, or undergraduate students with relevant experience for the 2021-2022 school year.  The Legal Intern works within the legal departments provides assistance to victims of intimate partner violence seeking legal services, including restraining orders, custody, divorce and immigration.  They will be supervised by the Senior Attorney, Katheryn Miller, Esq. and will work with the other attorneys and legal support staff. The Legal Advocate provides legal information, referrals, and advocacy to clients.  They will conduct intakes, assist the attorneys with aspects of representation including discovery and trial preparation, provide referrals for clients, and participates in the identification of systemic obstacles for victims of intimate partner violence, and assists in formulating a plan and strategies for the removal of those obstacles.  The Legal Intern must be willing to commit to 14-15 hours per week and a full year, with exclusions for winter break and holidays.  The Legal Intern will be able to interact with clients firsthand, and gain valuable knowledge about intimate partner violence, family and immigration law.  They will work in supportive environment and help advocate for justice.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Conduct intakes, including a lethality assessment, and provide legal information, referrals, and advocacy services to victims of intimate partner violence.
• Assist the attorneys who help victims of intimate partner violence to complete pleadings, divorce and custody complaints and answers, and other legal documents.
• Explain how to file for a restraining order and how to file criminal charges.
• Advocate orally and in writing on behalf of victims of intimate partner violence in various environments.
• Assist in trial preparation under the supervision of an attorney.
• Accompany clients to court for civil and criminal proceedings if necessary.
• Assist attorneys by conducting intakes, answering phones, and other duties as assigned.
• Accurately input and retrieve information from database in a timely manner.
• Update electronic shared calendar regarding client intakes and upcoming trial proceedings.
• Acquire and maintain knowledge of family and intimate partner violence law.
• Provide back-up to support staff.

Skills:

• Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred
• Bachelor’s degree, 1L, or equivalent advocacy experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge, skills and ability to assist and advocate on behalf of victims of intimate partner violence in various environments.
• Ability to develop and maintain good working relationships with individuals of diverse backgrounds, including clients, Center for Hope & Safety staff, and members of the community.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks at one time.
• Computer literate (MS Word, internet, email).
• Ability to advocate on behalf of victims of intimate partner violence.
• Ability to master information technology by accurately inputting and retrieving information from the computer for data entry, word processing, calendar management, e-mailing, and other functions in a timely manner.
• Ability to effectively respond to high volume of cases in a timely manner.

To apply, email your resume to: Katheryn Miller, Esq. Senior Attorney, Katheryn@hopeandsafetynj.org

For general internship inquiries, please email our Director of Programs at Mira@hopeandsafetynj.org