We are no longer taking applications for this opportunity.

DRW’s AVID Program is seeking legal interns interested in fighting for the rights of individuals with disabilities who are incarcerated in Washington prisons and jails. Disabilities include mental health conditions, physical and sensory disabilities, learning and intellectual disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, and chronic health conditions. The AVID Program strives to do this work in an intersectional way, centering our advocacy on those people with disabilities most impacted by the criminal punishment system, including folks with mental health conditions in solitary confinement and Black, Indigenous, Hispanic, and transgender and non-binary folks.

Position Description:
During the summer, AVID interns are engaged in all aspects of the AVID Program’s work: investigating abuse and neglect, working on public policy initiatives, and assisting with litigation. AVID interns typically travel to prisons around the state to engage with people experiencing incarceration and to monitor their living conditions, though this is not strictly required of interns during the pandemic. Currently, interns and staff mostly work remotely, but in-office work is available. Disability Rights Washington provides laptops with remote telephone and server access.

AVID is looking to hire two paid legal interns for a 10-week summer internship. Disability Rights Washington has a 35-hour workweek and interns earn about $7000 for their summer internship. People of color, LGBTQ people, formerly incarcerated people, and people with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply. We expect all summer interns to contribute to Disability Rights Washington’s goal to advance civil rights for individuals from diverse and marginalized communities. For more information about our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion goals, please visit: https://www.disabilityrightswa.org/diversity-equity-inclusion/.

How to Apply:

Individuals interested in working with the AVID Program should apply through the Northwest Public Service Career Fair: https://law.lclark.edu/nwconsortium/nw-public-service-career-fair/. You may also submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to Heather McKimmie at heatherm@dr-wa.org by January 17, 2022.