Legal Services of New Jersey (LSNJ) coordinates the statewide Legal Services system, which provides free legal assistance to low-income New Jerseyans for their civil legal problems. Through its work, LSNJ strives to secure substantive and procedural justice for those living in poverty. LSNJ embraces the vision of full access to essential civil legal aid for all economically disadvantaged people who cannot secure a lawyer on their own. This belief in the importance of legal assistance to indigent people stems from an underlying concern with fairness, and a conviction that important legal needs of individuals should be addressed.
Poverty Research Institute (PRI)
Available positions: LSNJ has 1 part-time paid summer internship available with our Poverty Research Institute (PRI). This position is in-person (NOT remote). Our office is within walking distance from the Edison train station. LSNJ is an EOE.
Description: We are seeking a detail-oriented intern to conduct research and data analysis on issues related to poverty in the state. This internship is an excellent opportunity for students who are passionate about social justice to contribute meaningfully to improving the lives of New Jerseyans experiencing deprivation, while simultaneously advancing their research skills.
Responsibilities & Learning Goals:
- Develop concise, data-driven policy reports for internal and external audiences.
- Monitor & summarize policy developments and legislative changes related to PRI’s focus areas.
- Identify potential data sources for research projects on emerging policy issues.
- Clean and analyze quantitative data to support PRI’s ongoing projects.
- Create compelling data visualizations, charts, and graphs to communicate findings.
- Support advocacy related to poverty.
This internship will enable the selected candidate to:
- Contribute to meaningful projects that create a positive impact on New Jerseyans experiencing True Poverty.
- Gain hands-on experience in policy research and data analysis within a nonprofit setting.
- Strengthen your professional portfolio of research, data analysis, and written work.
- Receive mentorship from experienced staff members to support your research skills and career growth.
Qualifications:
- Currently pursuing a graduate degree in public policy or sociology, or graduated less than one year ago.
- Enrolled at an NJ institution of higher education, or graduated less than 1 year ago; or an NJ resident enrolled at an out-of-state institution.
- Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information and quantitative data from various sources.
- Exceptional written and oral communication skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel; familiarity with SPSS and GIS software is a plus.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks.
- Must work minimum of 10 weeks, and must complete 150-200 hours in that timeframe at 15-20 hours per week.
To apply: Please submit your resume and cover letter to [email protected].
Development
Available Positions: LSNJ has 1 part-time paid summer internship available within our development team. This position is in-person (NOT remote). Our offices are within walking distance from the Edison train station. LSNJ is an EOE.
Description: Legal Services of New Jersey (LSNJ) seeks an enthusiastic, driven, and mission-oriented intern to join our development team. Our development team is responsible for the design and execution of a strategic development plan that maximizes financial support from both the public and private sectors to support the mission and work of the New Jersey Legal Services system.
Responsibilities & Learning Goals:
- Assist with planning, organizing, and executing ongoing fundraising events and campaigns
- Help manage donor relations and assist with donor communication efforts, including emails, reports, newsletters, and social media outreach
- Support data entry and maintain up-to-date records of donor information and event details, to support donor cultivation
- Conduct research on potential funding opportunities, including private and public grants and corporate sponsorships
- Assist with grant writing and editing and, when relevant, conduct research to support grant applications
- Collaborate with team members to brainstorm and implement strategies to increase donor engagement and fundraising goals
This internship will enable the selected candidate to:
- Benefit from the expertise and mentorship of our Director of Development and management team.
- Gain concrete skills and firsthand experience in grant writing and research, donor cultivation and communication, event planning, and more.
Qualifications:
- Enrolled at an NJ institution of higher education, or graduated less than one year ago; or an NJ resident enrolled at an out-of-state institution
- Any major area of study is acceptable, but the position may be of particular interest to applicants studying nonprofit management, marketing, communications, fundraising, or otherwise considering a career in development or philanthropy.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong organizational skills, and attention to detail.
- Must work minimum of 10 weeks, and must complete 150-200 hours in that timeframe at 15-20 hours per week.
To apply: Please submit your resume and cover letter to [email protected].