Non-Paid Internships

Spring 2027 Internship Opportunities

Legal Services of New Jersey, an Edison-based non-profit law firm that provides free civil legal assistance to low-income New Jerseyans, has multiple openings for intake internships to support our statewide legal hotline. Callers to Legal Services of New Jersey’s Hotline are low-income individuals and families who face eviction, foreclosure, threats of domestic violence, have been sued by creditors, or face a variety of other civil legal problems. The majority of work involves family and tenancy issues; however, Hotline staff also give advice to self-represented individuals in matters from bankruptcy to wills and estates. This service is provided at no charge but applicants must be financially eligible to qualify.

LSNJ has multiple openings for intake internships available with the LSNJLAW Hotline. These positions are in-person (NOT remote). Our office is within walking distance from the Edison train station. LSNJ is an EOE. 

Responsibilities

• Reach out promptly to applicants for services who have submitted an online intake to confirm receipt of their submission and schedule or conduct an intake interview. Verify applicant identity and contact information, clarify presenting issues, set expectations re: next steps, and follow up on missing information to ensure efficient handoff for attorney review.
• Answer queue calls from new applicants for services or from previous clients, greeting callers professionally, triaging urgent issues, and managing multiple calls using the Hotline’s call-management system.
• Screen callers for the type(s) of legal problem(s) they are experiencing, across common hotline areas; evaluate and document income eligibility using income and asset guidelines and criteria; and determine if the case type is one that falls within LSNJ’s programmatic guidelines
• Interview the prospective client following a questionnaire script for the particular case type/problem, conducting structured, empathetic interviews and adapting to caller needs.
• Enter, in real-time, information into the Hotline’s computerized case management database in a clear and concise manner—creating and updating client records, call notes, eligibility determinations, and issue codes with accuracy and attention to detail; tagging priority matters, deadlines, referrals, or supervisory review and attaching electronic documents as directed; and adhering to confidentiality, data integrity, and quality-control protocols.
• Interns will participate in both Hotline-specific and LSNJ-wide trainings, as well as intern orientation. 

Learning Goals

• Gain firsthand insight into a variety of civil legal issues by working directly with low-income New Jerseyans; observe systemic barriers faced by callers and how legal assistance addresses those need; and reflect on professional responsibility, access to justice, and the ethics of serving a vulnerable client population.
• Engage in active listening; learn/employ de-escalation techniques; navigate challenging conversations, e.g., distressed callers, language access issues, and cultural considerations; and maintain a courteous, trauma-informed approach.
• Strengthen professional judgement and teamwork in a legal environment by collaborating with attorneys, paralegals, and fellow interns.
• Improve client interview and case management skills by managing a dynamic call queue with punctuality, accountability and attention to detail suited to a high-volume legal services setting. 

Desired Major(s) & Qualifications: This opportunity is open to any undergraduate or graduate student or recent graduate, but may be of particular interest to students studying political science, sociology, psychology, criminal justice, or labor and management relations or considering a career in law. The position requires sensitivity and attention to detail. We seek applicants with a strong commitment to the public interest.

How to apply: If interested, please apply by submitting a resume and cover letter to [email protected].
Organization Contact Information: Emma Reading, Human Resources Operations Manager, [email protected], 732-732-0424 100 Metroplex Drive, Suite 101, Edison, New Jersey 08818 www.lsnj.org  | www.lsnjlaw.org