Time Commitment: 10–15 hours per week (flexible based on academic requirements)
Compensation: Unpaid (academic credit or volunteer experience)
Position Overview
FASD United is seeking law students for a Legal Internship supporting its Justice Advisory Committee and Justice Center initiatives. This role offers hands-on experience at the intersection of law, disability, behavioral health, and public policy, with a focus on improving justice system outcomes for individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).
Interns will contribute to legal research, training development, and the creation of case-informed resources that support attorneys, courts, families, and policymakers.
Key Responsibilities
Legal Research & Analysis
Conduct legal research on topics related to FASD and the justice system (e.g., competency, Miranda rights, sentencing, diversion, disability accommodations)
Identify and summarize relevant case law, statutes, and emerging legal trends
Support development of legal briefs, memoranda, and issue summaries
Amicus Brief Support
Assist in research and drafting components of amicus curiae briefs
Compile supporting evidence, citations, and interdisciplinary research (legal + clinical)
Track relevant appellate and post-conviction cases involving FASD-related issues
Training & Resource Development
Support the development of training materials for legal professionals (judges, defense attorneys, prosecutors, law enforcement)
Assist in creating fact sheets, legal guides, and presentation materials
Translate complex legal and clinical concepts into accessible formats
Committee & Program Support
Assist with preparation of Justice Advisory Committee materials (agendas, summaries, research briefs)
Support coordination of subject-matter experts and contributors
Participate in internal discussions and contribute insights where appropriate
Learning Objectives
Interns will:
Gain exposure to disability-informed legal frameworks and justice system reform
Develop skills in legal research, policy analysis, and applied advocacy
Engage with multidisciplinary professionals across law, behavioral health, and social services
Build experience in nonprofit legal strategy and systems-level impact work
Qualifications
Current law student (1L, 2L, or 3L) in good academic standing
Strong legal research and writing skills
Interest in criminal law, juvenile justice, disability law, public defense, prosecution, or public policy
Ability to synthesize complex information across disciplines
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Preferred (Not Required)
Coursework or experience in criminal law, evidence, constitutional law, or disability rights
Interest or experience related to FASD, neurodevelopmental disabilities, or behavioral health
Experience with legal databases (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis)
Supervision & Structure
Interns will be supervised by FASD United staff and/or designated legal advisors affiliated with the Justice Advisory Committee
Regular check-ins and feedback will be provided
Work may contribute to real-world legal resources, training materials, and policy initiatives
Academic Credit / Volunteer Structure
This is an unpaid position
FASD United will support documentation required for academic credit, externship programs, or pro bono hours
Interns are responsible for coordinating with their academic institution for credit approval
How to Apply
Please submit:
Resume or CV
Brief statement of interest included in a cover letter (1–2 paragraphs)
Writing sample (legal or academic)
Availability (hours per week and preferred term)
About FASD United
FASD United is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing awareness, research, policy, and support for individuals and families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Through its Justice initiatives, FASD United works to improve legal system responses and outcomes for individuals with FASD.
Salary: Unpaid / Academic Credit Eligible Originally posted on Himalayas