You must be a law student or post-grad in policy, interested in nonprofit work, adaptable, organized, possess strong communication skills, connected to Louisiana, and proficient in Office Suite.

You will conduct legal research, analyze public records, observe court proceedings, attend meetings, advocate for public policy, and support events as needed.

Legal

United States

New Orleans

Medium

We envision a society that respects the dignity of every single person. And we're working to realize it.

We work with others who share our vision to tackle the most pressing injustices of our day - from the causes and consequences of mass incarceration, racial disparities, and the loss of public trust in law enforcement, to the unmet needs of the vulnerable, the marginalized, and those harmed by crime and violence.

Government

Vera Institute of Justice

Securing equal justice, ending mass incarceration, and strengthening families and communities. Founded 1961.

<div><div><p><b>Who we are:</b></p>
<p>
The Vera Institute of Justice is powered by hundreds of advocates, researchers, and policy experts working to transform the criminal legal and immigration systems until they're fair for all. Founded in 1961 to advocate for alternatives to money bail in New York City, Vera is now a national organization that partners with impacted communities and government leaders for change. We develop just, antiracist solutions so that money doesn't determine freedom; fewer people are in jails, prisons, and immigration detention; and everyone is treated with dignity. For more information, visit vera.org.</p>
<p>
Vera has a staff of 224 people, is headquartered in Brooklyn, New York and has offices in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and New Orleans. We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity in the workplace. We expect our staff to embody respect, independence, collaboration, commitment, anti-racism, and equity&mdash;both in our outward-facing work and the internal culture of our workplace. We value a range of experiences in people's educational backgrounds and encourage people who have been directly impacted by the criminal justice system to apply.</p></div><p><b>
About the role:</b></p>
<p>
The Legal Intern will provide a wide range of support for our ongoing projects, including advancing prosecution reform, jail population reduction, increasing investment in thriving communities, and addressing Louisiana's carceral impact in multiple parishes and at the state legislature. The Legal Intern will be supervised primarily by the Director and will complete a variety of projects with other staff. This internship will provide an opportunity for the intern to gain knowledge and experience in research, writing, advocacy, local and state<br>
government relations, and criminal legal systems in New Orleans and other parts of Louisiana.</p>
<h3 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>
What you'll do:</b></h3>
<p><b>
Research and analysis</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Conduct legal research and writing</li>
<li>Review, organize, and analyze public records</li>
<li>Observe criminal and magistrate court proceedings and City Council meetings and budget hearings</li>
</ul>
<p><b>Partnership support</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Attend coalition and partner organization meetings</li>
</ul>
<p><b>Advocacy</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Prepare for and engage in public policy advocacy</li>
</ul>
<p> <b>Administrative</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Provide support for planned events and other related responsibilities that may arise</li>
</ul>
<p><b>What qualifications are we looking for?</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Currently enrolled in law school or post-graduate policy program</li>
<li>Interest in a nonprofit career, particularly in policy reform and advocacy</li>
<li>Ability to show initiative, ask questions, and adapt to changing priorities</li>
<li>Attention to detail and strong organizational skills</li>
<li>Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills</li>
<li>A demonstrated ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds</li>
</ul>
<p><b>Preferred:</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Demonstrated connection to Louisiana, New Orleans, or the Deep South</li>
<li>Willingness to travel to Baton Rouge on occasion</li>
</ul><h3 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>Knowledge, Skills, &amp; Abilities you'll bring:</b></h3>
<ul><li>Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or similar software</li>
</ul><h3 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>Location:</b></h3>
<p>
Please note this role will report to our Vera Louisiana office. Vera interns and employees adhere to a hybrid schedule and are in-office on an alternating schedule. Full-time positions generally amount to 10 days per month. Part-time positions generally amount to 5 days per month.</p>
<h3 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>
Schedule:</b></h3>
<p>
The intern should be available to work up to 35 hours per week during the summer. The dates will be between June 2nd and August 8th, with some flexibility to accommodate personal and academic schedules.</p>
<h3 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>
Compensation:</b></h3>
<p>
The compensation range for internships is $16.00 - $25.00 per hour. Actual compensation will vary depending on factors including but not limited to experience and performance. Applicants may choose to receive academic credit. For those who need to earn academic credit, Vera will gladly assist in working with the school or program to make arrangements and meet requirements.</p>
<h3 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>
How to apply:</b></h3>
<p>
Please submit cover letter and resume. In your cover letter, please explain why you are passionate about criminal justice reform and what you hope to gain from this internship.</p>
<h3 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>
Applications may also be faxed to:</b></h3>
<p>
ATTN: People, Place, and Culture / Summer 2025: Legal Intern, Vera Louisiana<br>
Vera Institute of Justice<br>
34 35th St, Suite 4-2A, Brooklyn, NY 11232<br>
Fax: (212) 941-9407<br>
Please use only one method (online, mail or fax) of submission.<br>
No phone calls, please. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.</p>
<p><i>
Vera is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, current employment status, or caregiver status.</i></p>
<p><i>
Vera works to advance justice, particularly racial justice, in an increasingly multicultural country and globally connected world. We value diverse experiences, including with regard to educational background and justice system contact, and depend on a diverse staff to carry out our mission.</i></p>
<p><i>
For more information about Vera, please visit </i><i>www.vera.org</i>.</p></div>

Who we are:

The Vera Institute of Justice is powered by hundreds of advocates, researchers, and policy experts working to transform the criminal legal and immigration systems until they're fair for all. Founded in 1961 to advocate for alternatives to money bail in New York City, Vera is now a national organization that partners with impacted communities and government leaders for change. We develop just, antiracist solutions so that money doesn't determine freedom; fewer people are in jails, prisons, and immigration detention; and everyone is treated with dignity. For more information, visit vera.org.

Vera has a staff of 224 people, is headquartered in Brooklyn, New York and has offices in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and New Orleans. We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity in the workplace. We expect our staff to embody respect, independence, collaboration, commitment, anti-racism, and equity—both in our outward-facing work and the internal culture of our workplace. We value a range of experiences in people's educational backgrounds and encourage people who have been directly impacted by the criminal justice system to apply.
About the role:

The Legal Intern will provide a wide range of support for our ongoing projects, including advancing prosecution reform, jail population reduction, increasing investment in thriving communities, and addressing Louisiana's carceral impact in multiple parishes and at the state legislature. The Legal Intern will be supervised primarily by the Director and will complete a variety of projects with other staff. This internship will provide an opportunity for the intern to gain knowledge and experience in research, writing, advocacy, local and state
government relations, and criminal legal systems in New Orleans and other parts of Louisiana.

What you'll do:

Research and analysis

Conduct legal research and writing
Review, organize, and analyze public records
Observe criminal and magistrate court proceedings and City Council meetings and budget hearings

Partnership support

Attend coalition and partner organization meetings

Advocacy

Prepare for and engage in public policy advocacy

 Administrative

Provide support for planned events and other related responsibilities that may arise

What qualifications are we looking for?

Currently enrolled in law school or post-graduate policy program
Interest in a nonprofit career, particularly in policy reform and advocacy
Ability to show initiative, ask questions, and adapt to changing priorities
Attention to detail and strong organizational skills
Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills
A demonstrated ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds

Preferred:

Demonstrated connection to Louisiana, New Orleans, or the Deep South
Willingness to travel to Baton Rouge on occasion
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities you'll bring:
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or similar software
Location:

Please note this role will report to our Vera Louisiana office. Vera interns and employees adhere to a hybrid schedule and are in-office on an alternating schedule. Full-time positions generally amount to 10 days per month. Part-time positions generally amount to 5 days per month.

Schedule:

The intern should be available to work up to 35 hours per week during the summer. The dates will be between June 2nd and August 8th, with some flexibility to accommodate personal and academic schedules.

Compensation:

The compensation range for internships is $16.00 - $25.00 per hour. Actual compensation will vary depending on factors including but not limited to experience and performance. Applicants may choose to receive academic credit. For those who need to earn academic credit, Vera will gladly assist in working with the school or program to make arrangements and meet requirements.

How to apply:

Please submit cover letter and resume. In your cover letter, please explain why you are passionate about criminal justice reform and what you hope to gain from this internship.

Applications may also be faxed to:

ATTN: People, Place, and Culture / Summer 2025: Legal Intern, Vera Louisiana
Vera Institute of Justice
34 35th St, Suite 4-2A, Brooklyn, NY 11232
Fax: (212) 941-9407
Please use only one method (online, mail or fax) of submission.
No phone calls, please. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.

Vera is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, current employment status, or caregiver status.

Vera works to advance justice, particularly racial justice, in an increasingly multicultural country and globally connected world. We value diverse experiences, including with regard to educational background and justice system contact, and depend on a diverse staff to carry out our mission.

For more information about Vera, please visit www.vera.org.

Summer 2025 - Legal Intern, Vera Louisiana

Requirements

Responsibilities

FAQs

What is the duration of the internship?

What are the expected working hours for the intern?

What kind of projects will the Legal Intern be involved in?

What qualifications are required for this internship?

Is there a preference for applicants with a connection to Louisiana?

Will the intern receive compensation for this role?

How should I apply for the internship?

Will the intern be required to travel for this role?

What kind of experience will the intern gain from this position?

Is there an opportunity to earn academic credit during the internship?

Vera Institute of Justice

Mission & Purpose