Detained Immigration Unit Law Student Intern

This internship is in-person in Batavia, NY. It is for the SUMMER 2026 term for students interested in careers in law/paralegal students. Please be sure to upload your resume and a cover letter explaining your interest.

About VLP: The Erie County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project, Inc. (VLP) is a not-for-profit corporation that provides free civil legal services to low-income people and small non-profit groups in a variety of legal matters including but not limited to detained and non-detained immigration, family law, eviction defense, matrimonial matters, consumer matters, estates, and end of life planning. Intern with VLP and help give a voice to those who are not heard!

• Minimum Qualifications: Current student or recent graduate.

NOTE If you are interested in applying to more than one internship, please apply to your first choice. You will have an opportunity to select alternative internships during the application process.

DETAINED IMMIGRATION PROGRAM PARALEGAL INTERNSHIP

Location: IN PERSON INTERNSHIP IN BATAVIA, NY 14020

Qualifications: YOU MUST CURRENTLY BE A STUDENT OR RECENT GRAD WITH THE ABILITY TO WORK OUT OF OUR BATAVIA, NY OFFICE AND COMMUTE REGULARLY TO THE BFDF DETENTION FACILITY IN BATAVIA. Access to a reliable vehicle is required. A strong desire to work with detained non-citizens in removal proceedings is required. Fluency in Spanish or French is a plus.

Description:

How Social Workers collaborate with the attorneys and paralegals at VLP:

• Administrative & Office Duties:
• Prescreen and intake clients
• Scan, fax, and organize documents
• Prepare mail and process money orders
• Use translation tools as needed

Client Communication & Support

• Visit clients detained at the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility in Batavia
• Schedule appointments and follow-ups
• Provide general procedural information
• Collect required documentation

Case tracking & Client Location

• Monitor immigration case status systems
• Update internal databases and notes
• Track important deadlines

Legal Support

• Prepare immigration forms and applications
• Draft legal correspondence
• Assist with motions and filings
• Organize supporting evidence
• Research country conditions
• Assist with document translation
• Update internal databases and notes
• Track important deadlines
• Follow office procedures and legal guidelines

Benefits of doing an internship with VLP:

• Opportunity for Direct Client Interaction. VLP student interns are truly on the front line of legal services. You will work directly with low-income clients providing valuable and needed services.
• Potential for Court Observation. Depending on schedule, some of our students are able to observe immigration court hearings.
• Social Media Spotlights. We are proud of our student volunteers and enjoy bragging about them on our social media accounts. All law students and graduates will be asked to submit a photograph for social media purposes (you can opt out if you prefer).
• Possible Procurement of Letter of Recommendation. VLP will be happy to provide letters of recommendation for successful student volunteers. You may request one from your supervising attorney at the completion of the program or at any point in the future.
• In-House Trainings. Students will enjoy informal trainings led by lawyers, community leaders and VLP staff covering a wide range of topics that involve public interest work.