Internships

Educating the next generation of legal professionals

Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates recognizes the need to educate the next generation of legal professionals and equip them with skills and opportunities to experience the realities of serving immigrants and refugees. For these reasons, LIA offers an internship program during the Fall, Spring, and Summer to students interested in building experience in the areas of legal services, community outreach, and advocacy, and nonprofit development.

Are you a high school student looking to volunteer with LIA?

Due to the nature of our work, we oftentimes have clients facing difficult situations, traumatic experiences, or the need to enter into a vulnerable space with us to share their stories. It is with that sensitivity and compassion in mind that we do not have opportunities for high school students that involve direct client interaction or case work. At times, LIA could use assistance with filing paperwork or similar administrative tasks, but availability of volunteers must be during regular business hours and transportation provided by the volunteer. They also must be able to work independently once instructed in a task.

Are you a teacher, school administrator, or other faculty member looking for volunteer or internship opportunities for your students?

If the student is in an undergrad or graduate program, or has already graduated from a college/university, please have them apply directly through our internship application portal.

If the student is currently enrolled in high school, please see details above for high school students and if they meet the criteria to assist with administrative tasks.

Apply

Internship Tracks and Semesters

This internship with Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates is designed to provide the Intern with opportunities to gain an awareness of the work associated with providing support and legal services related to immigrant needs. This is an unpaid position with the number of hours and times of service to be arranged in consultation with the Managing Attorney, Executive Director, and Administrative Assistant based on the needs of the office.
Continuing the work of serving the legal needs of asylum-seeking Afghan new arrivals in West Michigan, LIA is seeking three interns to join the LIA team each trimester throughout 2023. Interns will have the opportunity to gain unique first-hand experience working wtih a large volume of active asylum cases in a nonprofit law office.
The Marketing, Communications, and Nonprofit Management Internships provide experience in the areas of non-profit communications, marketing, development, and event planning. This internship provides a wide array of experiences across tactical and strategic levels unique to the nonprofit sector.

Spring Internships

Apply by December 1st for priority interviews.
Interviews beginning in December.
Internship offers finalized starting January 1st.

Summer Internships

Apply by April 1st for priority interviews.
Interviews begin in April.
Internship offers finalized starting May 1st.

Fall Internships

Apply by August 1st for priority interviews.
Interviews begin in August.
Internship offers finalized starting September 1st.

Details

Preference will first be given to college students and law students. At this time, we are not considering internship opportunities for high school students.
Ideal internship candidates are bilingual in English and Spanish, have strong writing and research skills, and work well with minimal supervision.
Interns are expected to commit to at least 8 hours per week.
Interns can choose to focus on legal services, development, communications, and nonprofit management.
Interns MUST provide their own transportation.
Interns that express interest in continuing beyond their first semester will be considered and may be asked to reapply.

Apply

Application Timelines

Internship applications are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year. In addition, applications received by the dates below will be prioritized during interview periods. A limited number of competitive paid internship opportunities may be available each semester, based on funding.

Internship Program Alumni

Venecia Rodriguez - Legal Services Intern '22-'23

I am Venecia, a senior at Hope College studying social work. I am interested in policy, immigration and family welfare. In my pastime, I cook, read, spend time with nature and dance! My family is Mexican and I was born in Waukegan, IL therefore, I identify as a Chicana. A lot of my values, interests, and passions include community development, learning about different cultures and supporting marginalized communities.
Isabelle Perron - New Americans Legal Clinic Intern '22-'23

My name is Isabelle Perron. I am a senior at Grand Valley State University studying International Relations with a minor in Human Rights. I hope to pursue a career in law and international affairs, specifically humanitarian work. I am beyond excited to intern for LIA and hope to dive deeper and learn more about immigration law, advocacy, and nonprofit work!
Mark Fields - Communications Intern '23

My name is Mark Fields, and I am a Senior at Hope College studying philosophy and political science. I was studying in Berlin, Germany when war broke out in Ukraine, and seeing German organization help Ukrainian refugees land on their feet sparked my own interest in helping immigrants establish themselves in a new country. I'm really excited for the opportunity to learn about non profits from an inside perspective.
Seng Lone - New Americans Legal Clinic Intern '23

My name is Seng Lone. I am currently completing my senior year as an international student at Grand Valley State University. Majoring in international relations and studying Chinese as a minor. From this internship, I would like to gain valuable experience that will help me advance in my future career, and I would also like to gain knowledge about the immigration process and advocacy by participating in this internship. Finally, while still enjoying my internship, I hope to intern seriously.