Summer Law Clerk

Brief Description

Clerkship Dates: 5/26/26 – 7/31/26

Clerkship

Location:

Santa Ana

Immigrant Defenders Law Center ("Imm Def") is a next-generation, social justice law firm that provides high-quality representation and legal services to immigrants in Southern California and beyond. Imm Def was founded with the belief that no immigrant should be forced to face an unjust immigration system alone and our universal representation programs are a first step towards that goal. Imm Def represents thousands of adults, children, and families annually who have multi-faceted, complex, and urgent legal needs as they face our unjust immigration system.

Learn more about us def.org.

Imm Def is seeking Rising 2L and 3L Summer Law Clerks to join the largest non-profit, universal representation model deportation defense team in the state of California.

Imm Def’s ability to provide stipends for Summer Law Clerks is currently limited due to ongoing uncertainty surrounding federal funding. At this time, we are unable to guarantee stipends, and some positions may be unpaid. We strongly encourage Summer Law Clerk applicants to secure their own outside funding from their law school and other sources. If several of our Summer Law Clerks can secure independent funding, we may be able to reallocate funds with the goal of ensuring all Summer Law Clerks receive at least a combined $7,500.00 in funding from all sources.

Students work collaboratively within our team of staff, including managing and directing attorneys, staff attorneys, paralegals, administrative support staff, and case managers to provide client-centered, holistic representation. Summer Law Clerks work under the supervision of a Managing Attorney or Staff Attorney to assist in the representation of clients in removal proceedings. This is a rewarding and exciting position where the successful applicant will be engaged in cutting edge immigration litigation and receive training from immigration removal defense experts in Imm Def’s various projects.

• Client intakes, interviews, and legal screenings;
• Drafting declarations and applications to be submitted to the immigration court, USCIS, and/or state courts;
• Research and writing legal issues related to immigration, criminal, and child welfare law;
• Supervised appearances in immigration court, and if available, family or probate court.

• Spanish proficiency is strongly preferred for:
  Children’s Representation Project and Locally Funded Initiatives Project (serving adults and families).
• The Litigation and Advocacy Project, National Qualified Representation, Post-Conviction Relief Project, and Policy Clerkship do not have a language requirement.

• Cover letter and resume required. Indicate which Imm Def office - Santa Ana.
• Writing sample and/or references by request.

• Must be currently enrolled in a U.S. law school, working towards the completion of a J.D. or L.L.M. degree;
• Work experience or law school course in immigration law or immigration law experience is helpful, but not required;
• Experience in a nonprofit or law firm practicing public interest, litigation, immigration, criminal, or child custody law is helpful, but not required;
• An interest or experience in working with marginalized populations and survivors of trauma required;
• Prior work experience (legal or otherwise) in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment is helpful;
• Strong case management, legal research, and legal writing skills;
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work independently;
• Commitment to working in a diverse professional environment.
• Passion for social justice for immigrants is required;
• DACA recipients are encouraged to apply!

This is a temporary Summer Law Clerk position for rising 2L or 3L law school students, for a 10-week term beginning May 26, 2026, through July 31, 2026. Imm Def requires summer law clerks to apply for funding from their university or a third-party scholarship or stipend fund. If a Summer Law Clerk is unable to secure funds, Imm Def may have limited funds available to offset the costs of the student’s summer experience with the organization, as described in detail in the job description.