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
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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:
- Resume or CV
- Brief statement of interest included in a cover letter (1–2 paragraphs)
- Writing sample (legal or academic)
- Availability (hours per week and preferred term)
About FASD United
FASD United is a national nonpro