Summer Internship with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (Memphis)
ABOUT US:
The Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA) is the largest legal program in the Department of Homeland Security. OPLA serves as the exclusive representative of the Department in immigration removal proceedings before the Executive Office for Immigration Review; litigating all removal cases including those against criminal aliens, terrorists, and human rights abusers. OPLA also provides legal advice and counsel to ICE personnel on their customs, criminal, and immigration law enforcement authorities.
THE INTERN PROGRAM:
OPLA New Orleans is seeking law student interns and/or externs on a volunteer basis. Placement is available at any of our four offices (New Orleans, Louisiana/Jena, Louisiana/Oakdale, Louisiana/Memphis, Tennessee). The program does not require enrollment through your law school; however, we will work with students and professors to accommodate clinical program placements or pro-bono hour requirements. During the summer we seek students who are able to work 40 hours per week for a minimum of 8 weeks. Before commencing employment with ICE, all applicants must successfully complete a background investigation, which includes a credit check, security clearance, and drug testing. Additionally, all applicants must be United States citizens and maintain a 2.5 GPA.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
We will provide unmatched litigation experience and valuable legal writing opportunities. All interns will attend immigration hearings and will be able to work toward the opportunity to appear in court under the supervision of an experienced attorney. Prior immigration experience or immigration comprehension is not required. We will offer training to provide a foundation for all assignments and students will have access to our experienced attorneys for additional guidance. The experience gained through our intern program will greatly enhance resumes and aid law students in their future endeavors. In fact, many of the agency’s recent new attorney hires have served as legal interns.
This is a pre-approved pro bono placement for pro bono credit at Memphis Law. You may also seek academic credit by getting this placement approved as a summer externship. No pro bono credit will be given for hours used to earn academic credit.
HOW TO APPLY:
The 2025 Summer Volunteer Intern Program is expected to begin in May 2025. All interested law students should submit a cover letter and resume to NOL-OPLA-INTERNS@ice.dhs.gov no later than Friday, January 31, 2025. In your letter, please indicate your office placement preference.
Questions regarding the Volunteer Intern Program should be directed to NOL-OPLAINTERNS@ice.dhs.gov. For additional information about our office, please visit our website at https://www.ice.gov/opla.
