The Bazelon Center is a private, nonprofit legal advocacy organization that promotes and protects the rights of adults and children with mental illnesses by bringing cutting edge litigation and shaping federal policy. Bazelon's legal staff work on U.S. Supreme Court and other federal and state appellate cases, bring impact litigation at the trial court level, work with state-based and national advocacy organizations, and provide technical assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other laws that address the rights of people with mental illnesses. The Center is considered expert in system reform litigation.
Internship Description
The Bazelon Center welcomes summer interns, as well as interns/externs during the academic year. Interns draft documents and conduct legal and other research in support of Bazelon's law reform, litigation, and technical assistance efforts. Interns normally spend 10 weeks at the Center, starting sometime between mid-May and mid-June. Some interns have split their summers between a firm and the Center. Interns typically receive summer stipends to support their work at the Center. Sometimes the Center receives grants that allow us to pay interns who have exhausted other funding sources.
Internships may be a prelude to a post-law school fellowship. The Bazelon Center has had success in securing post-law fellows, including Skadden and two Equal Justice (formerly NAPIL) fellows. Former Bazelon interns have received fellowships to work at other public interest organizations.
Application Instructions
We seek applications by law students (with a preference for those in the second or third year) who have excellent academic credentials and strong research and writing skills. Related experience is a plus. Early applications are encouraged. We try to make offers before December 1. In your cover letter, please indicate why you want to work at the Bazelon Center and what particular aspects of our work interest you the most.
To apply for an internship, please send by e-mail, fax, or regular mail a cover letter, resume, writing sample, law school transcript (unofficial is ok), and list of three references to:
- Ira Burnim, Legal Director
Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law
1101 15th Street, N.W., Suite 1212
Washington, D.C. 20005
F: 202-223-0409
E: irab@bazelon.org
No calls, please.