INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

SUMMER INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

(See below for year-round opportunities)

Contact Professor Alexandra Moore at amoore@binghamton.edu for additional information. 

Human Rights Quarterly

Intern at one of the world's leading human rights journals! Academic credit is possible, but not required.

The Urban Morgan Institute for Human Rights at the University of Cincinnati College of Law has been editing the Human Rights Quarterly for over 40 years. HRQ, the world’s leading human rights academic journal, is published by The Johns Hopkins University Press. Although the journal is edited at a law school, it is multidisciplinary. We publish research, policy analyses, essays, and book reviews on a range of international human rights matters by accepting scholarship from various fields, such as gender studies, history, philosophy, sociology, economics, disability studies, and law.

HRQ student editors are responsible for conforming articles to Blue Book citation and HRQ style standards through line editing, copyediting, cite checking, and formatting articles. The editors work closely with Urban Morgan’s program manager, who acts as a resource for student editors and as a liaison between the editors, authors, and Johns Hopkins University Press. The selected student will be a rising junior or senior and have a demonstrated interest in law and human rights, excellent research and writing/editing skills, and meticulous attention to detail.

Student editors can begin working as early as mid-April and work through mid-August.  Weekly hours are flexible.

Location: A hybrid in-person/remote schedule is preferred (HRQ is based in Cinncinati, OH), but full-remote work is a possibility.

Dates:  Student editors can begin working as early as mid-April (starting after the semester is over is fine) and work through mid-August. Weekly hours are flexible., but likely 10-20 hrs/week.

Stipend: Pay ranges between $11-12/hour, based on experience.

To apply or if you have further questions, contact:
Professor Alexandra Moore, co-director, Human Rights Institute, Binghamton University, amoore@binghamton.edu

Required application materials

  • Cover letter
  • Resume
  • Short writing sample (demonstrating research and writing skills)
  • Letter of reference from a faculty member or employer

Preferred application deadline:
March 17.

Sheffield Hallam University, Helena Kennedy Centre for International Justice, Sheffield, UK 

The law clinics at Sheffield Hallam University will welcome at least two Binghamton University students as unpaid interns this summer. Placement will be in the Refugee Family Reunification Clinic. Under guidance of the clinic's lead attorney and professional staff, interns will work directly with clients with refugee status who are seeking to reunite with their families. The clinic works closely with the International Committee of the Red Cross and has helped reunite over 100 families to date. Interns receive training in the British legal system and refugee and asylum law. Responsibilities include interviewing clients, compiling personal statements, gathering research to document family ties, and working on applications to the British Home Office.

Location: Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK 

Duration: Approximate dates : May 29 - July 8.

Housing: Shared housing (all Binghamton students can live together in a suite with private rooms) in Sheffield is available in the dorms for about $250/week.

Funding: Funding may be available to offset transportation, food, and lodging, however it is not guaranteed. 

Application: There are two pathways to apply for this internship.

  1.  Current juniors and seniors may choose to apply through the Harpur Law Council Pre-Law Public Interest Summer Internship Program. See the program website for eligibilty requirements, applications, and information about the process. Harpur Law Council Summer Law Internship applications are due by 4:30 p.m. Feb. 8, 2024; email to prelaw@binghamton.edu. The selected student will receive funding through the Harpur Law Council.
  2. Undergraduate and graduate students may also apply directly to Professor Moore. These positions do not have guaranteed funding, although applicants are encouraged to explore funding options through Harpur Edge and other campus resources. Completed applications will include:
  • Letter of interest
  • Resume
  • Two faculty letters of reference sent directly to Prof. Moore 
  • Writing sample

The deadline for receipt of applications is March 17, 2024 to amoore@binghamton.edu.

For further information, contact Professor Moore at amoore@binghamton.edu. 

To read about student experiences in 2019, see this story in the BingU News:

 Students Work to Reunite Refugees with Families

Collegiate Campus, Sheffield Hallam University

Division of Criminology, SHU

YEAR-ROUND BINGHAMTON INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:

Legal Services of Central New York

Our Organization: Legal Services of Central New York (LSCNY) is committed to achieving justice for low-income people and those who have difficulty accessing the justice system. We are deeply committed to principles of anti-racism and race equity in all we do. For more than 56 years, we have sought to make a difference in our clients’ lives and their communities by eliminating the barriers that cause poverty and reduce our clients’ access to economic mobility.   LSCNY represents clients in cases involving housing, income security, consumer rights, education, employment, incarcerated person’s rights, community economic development, and access to health care.  LSCNY has seven offices in the 13 counties we serve. In Binghamton, we are looking for a fall student intern to assist with our work in Broome, Chenango, Cortland, Otsego and Delaware counties. The position is unpaid.   What interns will do: Student interns will assist LSCNY staff and gain meaningful experience working in a civil legal services firm. Student interns will learn about the role of civil legal services in our justice system, and how to pursue a legal career dedicated to defending the rights of the most vulnerable. Student interns will assist LSCNY in serving clients located in Broome, Chenango, Cortland, Otsego and Delaware counties.   Interns will take on a variety of client-related projects and tasks, such as: 

  • Meeting with new clients and assisting them with the intake process;
  • Observing our attorneys in court, and gathering information in targeted court-watch efforts;
  • Drafting and submitting document requests under the Freedom of Information Act to government entities, such as law enforcement agencies and building code departments, and then reviewing and synthesizing the documents obtained for use in court proceedings and advocacy.
  • Observing client meetings and interviews to assist with case development, fact-gathering and investigation.
  • Creating “know your rights” brochures and engaging in community outreach to raise awareness of certain priority issues in our region;
  • Assisting our staff with ongoing work on race equity and anti-racism work within our organization.

We will make every effort to tailor each student intern’s experience to support their career goals and interests. The position is in-person in our Binghamton office with travel to our various courts and community events.  

DEADLINE FOR FALL : April 1

DEADLINE FOR SPRING: November 1

To apply, please send the following to Lindsay Buchta at lbuchta@binghamton.edu.

For questions, please contact Professor Moore at amoore@binghamton.edu. 

Applications -- write FALL INTERNSHIP APPLICATION in your subject line, and include:

cover letter, resume, writing sample, and three references

Legal Services of Central New York, Inc. is committed to diversity and inclusion in hiring, retaining, and promoting so we can be more creative, effective, and just, bringing more varied perspectives, experiences, backgrounds, talents, and interests to the practice of law and the administration of justice. We accept, respect, and value differences that include attributes such as age, race, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disabilities, language, socioeconomic status, marital and parental status, national origin, immigration status, and cultural background. We strongly encourage individuals with historically marginalized identities to apply. 

Journey's End Refugee Services, Binghamton, Immigration and Refugee Law Internship

 Journey’s End Refugee Services (JERS) is a non-profit refugee resettlement agency and immigration legal service provider. JERS is partnering with the Human Rights Institute in providing internship opportunities to students. Interns will work directly with immigration attorneys in JERS’ downtown Binghamton office to provide free legal assistance to income eligible immigrants in the Southern Tier region. Students will receive training on the U.S. immigration process, asylum law, protections for unaccompanied minors, removal proceeding defense, along with immigration protections under the Violence Against Women Act for victims of human trafficking, serious crime, and domestic violence. Students will assist attorneys in intakes, meeting with clients, researching country conditions, and preparing humanitarian-based immigration applications.
 
SUMMER and FALL

  • Hours – some flexibility, but ideally approx. 10 hours/week for Fall and a minimum of 20 hours/week in summer (dates are flexible)
  • Unpaid
  • Academic credit optional
  • Location: Downtown Binghamton

To apply, please send the following to Lindsay Buchta at lbuchta@binghamton.edu.

For questions, please contact Professor Moore at amoore@binghamton.edu. 

Applications -- write SUMMER or FALL INTERNSHIP APPLICATION in your subject line, and include:

  • Resume
  • Cover letter
  • Names and contact information for two academic references

Preferred deadline for spring -- November 1; positions are open until filled.

Preferred deadline for summer and fall -- April 1; positions are open until filled.
 

Broome County Public Defender’s Office Internship, Binghamton, NY

Join a fast-paced public defender’s office that is committed to pursuing holistic defense of clients – that is, defense that also considers the potential for healing and the structural roots of legal harm.
 
Interns will have the opportunity to work directly on a variety of different kinds of cases and to tailor the internship to meet their particular interests.
 
The Public Defender’s Office provides legal representation to all indigent persons accused of crimes in Broome County as mandated by the Constitutions of the United States and the State of New York. This office, with support from our team of advocates, investigators, interpreters and other staff, acts as defense counsel from arraignment through trial and all stages of appeal for criminal cases ranging from simple violations to homicides. We also represent those subject to violations of probation or parole. This involves the full range of investigatory, pretrial, sentence mitigation and appellate representation required in criminal cases. 
 
The Public Defender’s Office aims to provide client-centered representation and zealous advocacy in all courts throughout Broome County with support from our team of advocates, investigators, interpreters and other staff. We endeavor to ensure that that those facing incarceration have their constitutional and statutory rights protected, that the law is administered with neither discrimination nor disproportionate punishment, and further, that no one who is innocent is wrongfully convicted. Our commitment is to treat our clients with dignity, compassion, and fairness.

Summer

  • June 1 - August 15
  • 10-40 hours per week
  • Unpaid
  • Academic credit: optional

To apply, please send the following to Lindsay Buchta at lbuchta@binghamton.edu.

For questions, please contact Professor Moore at amoore@binghamton.edu. 

Applications -- write SUMMER or FALL INTERNSHIP APPLICATION in your subject line, and include:

  • Resume
  • Cover letter
  • Two academic references sent directly to Lindsay Buchta at lbuchta@binghamton.edu
     

Deadline for Fall: April 1

Deadline for Fall: April 1

Deadline for Spring: October 16

Broome County Assigned Counsel Program

The Broome County Assigned Counsel Program represents indigent criminal clients upon a conflict of interest with the Broome County Office of the Public Defender. The program provides quality legal representation to indigent criminal defendants in an effort to preserve the Constitutional rights of every accused.

Students will participate actively in case preparation and have the opportunity to witness many different aspects of the criminal justice system in Broome County. Read more about the BCACP here: https://www.gobroomecounty.com/acp.

Internships Terms:

  • Work days negotiable 
  • Hours negotiable, but ideally 10 hrs/wk
  • Optional Academic Credits: 1-4
  • No stipend
  • Priority Application Deadlines

Fall Semester: April 1

Summer: April 1

Spring Semester: November 1

To apply, please send the following to Lindsay Buchta at lbuchta@binghamton.edu.

For questions, please contact Professor Moore at amoore@binghamton.edu. 

Applications -- write SUMMER or FALL INTERNSHIP APPLICATION in your subject line, and include:

  • A focused cover letter
  • Resume

American Civic Association Internships - Legal Services, Immigrant and Refugee Social Services, Marketing and Events, IT, and Health and Community Outreach

The American Civic Association of New York (ACA) and Binghamton University’s Human Rights Institute (HRI) are pleased to announce the immigrant and refugee services internship program.  Students will intern for the ACA and work in the ACA’s offices in downtown Binghamton. They will provide support of ACA staff in case work with the local immigrant and refugee community. Students will work closely with ACA staff, receiving training and experience in a range of different immigrants rights issues, including deportation defense, asylum petitions, protection of minor children and client-centered service provision.

Interns support many areas of the ACA's work with the community, including marketing and events planning, information technology, immigration services, health and community outreach, and refugee social services.

Applicants should have excellent writing, analytical, and oral communication skills, with a demonstrated commitment to immigrant or related human rights. The ACA is a small social services organization where client needs are complex and variable. Competitive applicants should demonstrate qualities necessary for success in this context: sensitivity, patience, flexibility and creativity. Fluency in languages other than English is preferred, though not required. Open to all graduate and upper-level undergraduate students. 

Internships Terms:

  • Work days negotiable 
  • Hours negotiable, but ideally 10 hrs/wk
  • Optional Academic Credits: 1-4
  • No stipend
  • Priority Application Deadlines

Fall Semester: April 1

Summer: April 1

Spring Semester: November 1

To apply, please send the following to Lindsay Buchta at lbuchta@binghamton.edu.

For questions, please contact Professor Moore at amoore@binghamton.edu. 

Applications -- write SUMMER or FALL INTERNSHIP APPLICATION in your subject line, and include:

  • A focused cover letter
  • Resume
  • Names and contact information for two references

Students who wish to participate in an internship and who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that they will be asked about their prior criminal history. This may impede your ability to participate in certain internships and study abroad. Students who have concerns about such matters, or are looking for additional information, are advised to contact the Harpur Dean's Office for domestic programs and the Office of International Education and Global Initiatives for international placements.