U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement Summer 2023 Internship/Externship
U.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOM ENFORCEMENT SUMMER 2023 INTERNSHIP (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. Attorneys litigate all removal cases including those against criminal noncitizens, 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 on a volunteer basis for all offices including Jena Louisiana, Memphis Tennessee, New Orleans Louisiana, and Oakdale Louisiana. The program does not require enrollment through your law school; however, we will work with students and professors to accommodate clinical program placements and/or pro-bono hour requirements. During the summer we seek students who are available 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. In some instances interns may be allowed to work remotely. 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.
HOW TO APPLY: The 2023 Summer Volunteer Intern Program is expected to begin May/June 2023. All interested law students should submit a cover letter and resume to NOL-OPLA-INTERNS@ice.dhs.gov no later than Friday March 17, 2023. Questions regarding the Volunteer Intern Program should be sent to NOL-OPLAINTERNS@ice.dhs.gov. For additional information about our office, please visit our web site at https://www.ice.gov/opla.
This is pre-approved for pro bono credit at Memphis Law. You can also seek academic credit through the externship program, which must be approved through Prof. Danny Schaffzin.
