Non-Profit Externship Placements

ACLU of Louisiana

The ACLU works daily in courts, legislatures and communities to defend and preserve individual rights and liberties that the Constitution and laws of the United States guarantee. These rights include: First Amendment rights - freedom of speech, association and assembly; freedom of the press, and freedom of religion; the right to equal protection under the law - protection against unlawful discrimination; the right to due process - fair treatment by the government whenever the loss of liberty or property is at stake; right to privacy - freedom from unwarranted government intrusion into personal and private affairs. The ACLU also works to extend rights to segments of the population that have traditionally been denied their rights, including people of color; women; lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender people; prisoners; and people with disabilities.

Application Instructions:

• Prepare a cover letter, a resume, and a writing sample.
• Please submit materials to the ACLU and send a copy to Professor Finger.

Location: 1340 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA 70112

Website: https://www.laaclu.org

Animal Legal Defense Fund

The Animal Legal Defense Fund Externship and Volunteer Program gives law students who demonstrate an interest in animal law the opportunity to work with and be trained by top experts in the field. Externs and volunteers are integral members of a program team and work on projects that further the current work of the program and advance the mission and goals of the Animal Legal Defense Fund. Externs and volunteers also participate in activities that will allow them to network across the organization with Animal Legal Defense Fund staff and other externs and volunteers and engage them in the mission and goals of the organization.  

Specific responsibilities vary by program; visit their website for more info. All externs will participate in scheduled networking and engagement activities.

Application Instructions:

• Prepare a cover letter, a resume, and a writing sample.

Website: https://aldf.org

Center for Victim & Human Rights

Center for Victim and Human Rights (CVHR) is the only nonprofit legal services organization in Indiana specifically designed to help victims of crime and human rights abuses. The organization advances its mission “to empower and advance the safety of victims through legal representation and educational outreach” by providing comprehensive legal representation for victims of crime and human rights violations who often lack safety and resources. CVHR provides legal representation, ranging from counsel and advice to full attorney representation at hearings, to over 2,500 clients since 2008. CVHR has worked with victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and other human rights issues, as well as survivors and families of homicide victims. CVHR serves a broad range of clients, including native-born Americans as well as immigrants, children and the elderly, victims from various races and ethnic backgrounds, and LGBTQ+ victims who have experienced violence and discrimination due to their sexual orientation. 

Application Instructions:

• Prepare a cover letter, a resume, and a writing sample.

Location: 201 N. Illinois Street 16th Floor, South Tower Indianapolis, IN 46204

Website: cvhr.org

Louisiana Appleseed

Louisiana Appleseed is an advocacy organization that promotes systemic change that assists vulnerable populations. They believe our state will be stronger through fair and equitable access to the courts, the economy, and public schools. To accomplish this, they build bridges between vulnerable communities and their extensive network of pro bono professionals to develop meaningful and sustainable solutions to help equity take root. Externs will use their unique skill sets to work closely with direct legal services, government agencies, and other nonprofits to identify and solve our state’s most challenging issues. Louisiana Appleseed often collaborates with community partners to provide research, advocacy, and policy-oriented solutions to enhance their direct services.

Application Instructions:

• Prepare a cover letter, a resume, and a writing sample.
• Students should submit application materials to Professor Finger.

Location: Freeport McMoRan Building, 1615 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA 70112

Website: https://www.louisianaappleseed.org

Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center

The Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center (LFHAC) is a nonprofit civil rights organization established in 1995 to eradicate housing discrimination. LFHAC’s work throughout Louisiana includes education, investigation and enforcement activities. LFHAC is dedicated to fighting housing discrimination because it is an illegal and divisive force that perpetuates poverty, segregation, ignorance, fear and hatred. Externs are exposed to all aspect of the Center's work and are primarily assigned to legal research and writing tasks related to the Center's housing discrimination litigation and enforcement activities.

Application Instructions:

• Prepare a cover letter, a resume, and a writing sample.
• Students should submit application materials to Professor Finger.
• Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

Location: 1340 Poydras St. Suite #710, New Orleans, LA 70112

Website: https://lafairhousing.org

Pelican Center for Children & Families

The Pelican Center for Children & Families is a Louisiana non-profit organization dedicated to improving outcomes for Louisiana's children & families. The Pelican Center's focus is on the intensive coordinated interdisciplinary training and education of child welfare practitioners, children's and indigent parents' attorneys, judges, child protection staff, CASAs, foster parents, district and child welfare agency attorneys and others.

Application Instructions:

• Prepare a cover letter, a resume, and a writing sample.

Location: 16757 Blackwater Road, Zachary, LA 70791

Website: https://www.pelicancenter.org

The Pro Bono Project

The Pro Bono Project’s continuing mission is to provide free, quality civil legal services to the underserved members of our community. Their work today is as important as at any time in their thirty-six year history. By engaging volunteer attorneys, paralegals, law students, and private citizens to render pro bono services, The Pro Bono Project serves clients in Orleans, Jefferson, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, and Washington parishes who otherwise might not have access to the civil legal help they need. Externships with this organization are available in Fall and Spring for JDs and MAs and in the summer for MAs.

Application Instructions:

• Prepare a cover letter, a resume, and a writing sample.

Location: 935 Gravier St #1340, New Orleans, LA 70112

Website: probono-no.org

The Promise of Justice Initiative (PJI)

The Promise of Justice Initiative (PJI) is a New Orleans based nonprofit that works to create positive
change for people in the criminal justice at the intersection of direct services, impact litigation, and
community engagement. We believe in a world where our justice system values each person; a world where the system supports rehabilitation, and a world where we approach justice with a lens of healing and restoration for those who are harmed. This world will be safer and more secure for all people.

Application Instructions:

• Prepare a cover letter, a resume, and a writing sample.

Location: 1024 Elysian Fields, New Orleans, LA 70116

Website: https://promiseofjustice.org/

Southeast Louisiana Legal Services

Southeast Louisiana Legal Services (SLLS) is a nonprofit legal aid that provides free legal assistance to low-income and vulnerable families in 22 parishes in southeast Louisiana. Attorneys at SLLS work every day to protect domestic violence victims from abuse, stand for the rights of abused and neglected children, preserve housing for hard-working families, end homelessness for people with disabilities and veterans, protect elderly consumers, remove barriers to medical care, improve access to employment and education for vulnerable people, and so much more.

Application Instructions:

• Prepare a cover letter, a resume, and a writing sample.

Location: 1340 Poydras, Suite 600New Orleans, LA 70112 (placement also available at Baton Rouge, Covington, Hammond, Harvey, and Houma locations) 

Website: https://slls.org

Southern Poverty Law Center

The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is dedicated to fighting hate and bigotry and to seeking justice for the most vulnerable members of society. Using litigation, education, and other forms of advocacy, the SPLC works toward the day when the ideals of equal justice and equal opportunity will be a reality. 

Based in New Orleans, the SPLC’s Louisiana office is dedicated to ensuring that all children have equal access to public education, to reforming school discipline policies that criminalize children for typical adolescent behavior, and ensuring vulnerable youth have access to the mental health services and rehabilitative resources necessary to enable them to reach their full potential. The office also works to reduce the number of incarcerated young people, to reform the juvenile justice system, and to ensure the dignity of youth involved in these systems.  

Application Instructions:

• Prepare a cover letter, a resume, a writing sample, and your transcript.
• Please submit application materials to Professor Finger.

Location: Central Business District

Website: https://www.splcenter.org

Vera Institute of Justice

Vera's work in New Orleans began in 2006, when the City Council invited us to assess the criminal justice system and propose reforms as part of post-Katrina recovery efforts. Since then, we have become a nexus for advancing evidence-based reform and have demonstrated that change is not only possible but within reach. In partnership with people leading and working in the local justice system, city leaders, and community organizations, we are working to end unnecessary detention and develop innovative, collaborative projects that improve the delivery of justice in New Orleans.

Application Instructions:

• Prepare a cover letter, a resume, and a writing sample.

Website: https://www.vera.org/centers/new-orleans

Voice Of The Experienced (VOTE)

Voice of the Experienced (VOTE) is a grassroots organization founded and run by formerly incarcerated people, their families, and allies. VOTE is dedicated to restoring the full human and civil rights of those most impacted by the criminal (in)justice system. VOTE members have the experience, expertise and power to improve public safety in New Orleans and beyond without relying on mass incarceration.​Through civic engagement and policy reform, VOTE increasingly mobilizes a strong group of leaders to transform the movement for the elimination of the carceral state. Legal externs with VOTE assist with the legal policy work and community outreach, education, and organizing that is central to the organization's work.

Application Instructions:

• Prepare a cover letter, a resume, a writing sample, and references.
• Apply directly to Professor Finger with materials addressed to Will Harrell.

Location: 2022 St. Bernard Ave, Suite 307, New Orleans, LA 70117

Website: https://www.voiceoftheexperienced.org/

Alliance for Affordable Energy

Since 1985, AAE has been working to ensure equitable, affordable, and environmentally responsible energy policy for ALL Louisiana energy consumers. It is Louisiana's only dedicated Watchdog working to protect consumer rights at the Louisiana Public Service Commission, and New Orleans City Council. Most states have organizations like this one that are supported by state allocated funds. This organization does not receive any funding from the city or state, and relies on its members, corporate sponsors, and foundations to keep the "lights on". 

Application Instructions:

• Prepare a cover letter, a resume, and a writing sample.

Location: 4505 S Claiborne Ave, New Orleans, LA 70125

Website: all4energy.org

American Bee Project

The American Bee Project seeks agricultural tax benefits for lands made available to rebuild bee colonies impacted by colony collapse disorder. The American Bee Project helps commercial beekeepers rebuild and strengthen bee colonies by encouraging landowners who have suitable vacant land to make such land available to beekeeping. Landowners receive real estate tax, insurance, maintenance and other benefits for allowing beekeepers use of their land. The organization advocates that bee apiaries are an agricultural use of land, and therefore are entitled to the same real estate tax benefits as other agricultural uses such as cattle.

Application Instructions:

• Prepare a cover letter, a resume, and a writing sample.

Location: 5655 S Indian River Drive Fort Pierce, FL 34982

Website: https://www.americanbeeproject.com

Center for Biological Diversity

The Center for Biological Diversity is a nonprofit membership organization known for its work protecting endangered species through legal action, scientific petitions, creative media and grassroots activism. It was founded in 1989 by Kieran Suckling, Peter Galvin, Todd Schulke and Robin Silver. The organization believes that the welfare of human beings is deeply linked to nature — to the existence in our world of a vast diversity of wild animals and plants. Because diversity has intrinsic value, and because its loss impoverishes society, The Center for Biological Diversity works to secure a future for all species, great and small, hovering on the brink of extinction. They do so through science, law and creative media, with a focus on protecting the lands, waters and climate that species need to survive.

Application Instructions:

• Prepare a cover letter, a resume, and a writing sample.

Website: https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/

Center for Progressive Reform

The Center for Progressive Reform in Washington, DC. is a nonprofit research and advocacy organization that harnesses the power of law and public policy to create a responsive government, a healthy environment, and a just society. This organization offers remote externships for JDs and MAs.

Application Instructions:

• Prepare a cover letter, a resume, and a writing sample.

Website: progressivereform.org

Contact: Professor Rob Verchick

Don't Cage Our Oceans

The mission of Don't Cage Our Oceans is to stop the development of offshore finfish farming in the United States through federal law, policies, and coalition building, while uplifting values-based sea-food systems led by local communities. Don’t Cage Our Oceans is a diverse coalition of fishing men and women, coastal businesses, food rights groups, marine conservation organizations, and others, who are all active in protecting our oceans from the significant risks of large-scale marine finfish aquaculture operations. The coalition is composed of organizations, rather than individuals.

Application Instructions:

• Prepare a cover letter, a resume, and a writing sample.

Website: dontcageouroceans.org

Healthy Gulf

Healthy Gulf’s programs focus on a just transition that moves us away from extractive systems of energy production, consumption, and political oppression, and towards resilient, regenerative and equitable economies. Healthy Gulf’s purpose is to collaborate with and serve communities who love the Gulf of Mexico by providing the research, communications, and coalition-building tools needed to reverse the long pattern of over exploitation of the Gulf’s natural resources. This organization accepts both JDs and MAs.

Application Instructions:

• Prepare a cover letter, a resume, and a writing sample.

Location: 935 Gravier St #700, New Orleans, LA 70112

Website: healthygulf.org

Recirculating Farms Coalition

The Recirculating Farms Coalition is a collaborative group of farmers, educators, non-profit organizations and many others committed to building local sources of healthy, accessible food. Through research, education and advocacy, they work together to support the development of eco-efficient farms that use clean recycled water as the basis to grow food. 

This placement allows students to polish research and writing skills with an experienced attorney in environmental law. Responsibilities may include: legal and policy-oriented work, such as researching current case law, statutes, international law and more; writing memos, draft legislation, and government comment letters on rule-makings and bills; attend meetings and hearings; review regulatory comments, documents and rule-makings; and other tasks as appropriate relating to non-profit, government and environmental law.

Application Instructions:

• Prepare a cover letter, a resume, and a writing sample.

Location:  5208 Magazine St., #191, New Orleans, LA 70115

Website: http://www.recirculatingfarms.org

Taproot Earth

Taproot Earth is a new international organization building power and cultivating solutions among frontline communities advancing climate justice and democracy. Building on 17 years of Gulf South movement building, this organization is going global to meet the global crises that we face. 

Application Instructions:

• Prepare a cover letter, a resume, and a writing sample.

Website: taproot.earth

Tulane Institute on Water Resources, Law, & Policy

The Tulane Institute on Water Resources Law and Policy works to foster understanding of the complex relationship between people and water. They are located in New Orleans, where water surrounds us. This provides the organization with a unique vantage point on the front lines of water law and policy. They provide law and policy analysis to decision makers and the public to ensure that water and the ecosystems it supports are maintained for future generations while providing for the needs of the people today. This organization works with a broad spectrum of institutions and individuals to incorporate science, engineering, and resource management practices to meet our society's ecologic, cultural, and economic needs. 

Application Instructions:

• Prepare a cover letter, a resume, and a writing sample.

Location: Tulane University Law School Annex, 6325 Freret Street New Orleans, LA 70118

Website: https://www.tulanewater.org

CrescentCare Legal Services

CrescentCare Legal Services (formerly AIDSLaw of Louisiana, Inc.) provides free civil legal aid to income eligible persons in Louisiana with legal issues involving matters related to or arising from their HIV status. Persons living with HIV/AIDS, as well as their loved ones, face a variety of problems requiring the assistance of legal professionals with experience in various areas of the law.

Services Provided

Individuals affected by HIV disease, both those who are infected, as well as their loved ones, face a variety of problems requiring the assistance of legal professionals with experience in various areas of the law. These legal problems include:

Application Instructions:

• Prepare a cover letter, a resume, and a writing sample.

Location: 1631 Elysian Fields Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117

Website: http://crescentcarehealth.org

Disability Rights Louisiana

Disability Rights Louisiana (DRLA and formerly the Advocacy Center) protects, empowers, and advocates for the human and legal rights of people with disabilities and seniors living in Louisiana, in order that they may live an integrated life in the community, free from abuse, neglect and exploitation. Types of cases include public benefits (Medicaid, Medicare), special education, advocacy for rights of residents of institutions including nursing homes, cases involving issues of inaccessibility or discrimination, community integration, and issues related to self determination. DRLA also handles some class actions and impact litigation.

Legal externs at the DRLA conduct legal research, including factual investigations when necessary and assist attorneys in other areas of case-handling. Externs typically have some client contact and are able to attend administrative or court hearings with attorneys.

Application Instructions:

• Prepare a cover letter, a resume, a writing sample, and your transcript.
• OSEL will forward application materials via email to Sarah Voigt.

Location: 8325 Oak St, New Orleans, LA 70118

Website: https://disabilityrightsla.org 

LCMC Health

LCMC is a New Orleans-based non-profit health system with five hospital locations, a network of urgent care centers, and over 2,200 board-certified physicians. Hospitals in the LCMC Health system include Children’s Hospital, Touro, University Medical Center, New Orleans East Hospital, and West Jefferson Medical Center. Externs with LCMC Health work with corporate counsel managing the many legal situations that arise for the system, including contract, compliance, risk management, and personnel issues.

Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must be 2Ls or higher (no 1L summer) and must have taken health law coursework for this externship.

Application Instructions:

• Prepare a cover letter, a resume, and a writing sample.

Location: 200 Henry Clay Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70118

Website: www.lcmchealth.org

National Disability Rights Network (NDRN)

NDRN is the non-profit membership association for the federally mandated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) Systems and Client Assistance Programs (CAP) for individuals with disabilities. NDRN provides training, technical assistance,
and legal support to the P&A agencies. NDRN is also involved in legislative advocacy to create a society in which people with disabilities are afforded equal opportunity and are able to fully participate by exercising choice and self- determination. NDRN does not provide direct client support.

Legal interns will develop legal skills working directly with a highly experienced team of attorneys on projects related to different disability rights issues. The work will encompass research/writing projects on disability topics that may include: employment, housing, education, juvenile justice/criminal law, abuse and neglect, community integration, and voting rights, among other things. It should be noted that this internship will not include direct work with clients, but will provide significant exposure to federal disability rights issues.

Application Instructions:

• Prepare a cover letter, a resume, and a writing sample.

Website: ndrn.org

Catholic Charities of New Orleans: Immigration and Refugee Services

Catholic Charities provides a broad range of counseling and representation to immigrants and their families. The organization helps clients understand the immigration law, learn their rights under the law, and to complete the immigration process successfully. Our staff includes attorneys, fully-accredited Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) Representatives, a case manager, and a staff translator. In addition, they offer assistance for victims of domestic violence who may also be seeking immigration services. Catholic Charities also offers English as a Second Language (ESL) and Citizenship Classes.

Application Instructions:

• Prepare a cover letter, a resume, and a writing sample.

Location: 4200 S I-10 Service Road W. | Ste 110 | Metairie, LA 70001

Website: https://www.ccano.org/immigration-services

Immigration Services & Legal Advocacy (ISLA)

Immigration Services and Legal Advocacy (ISLA) is a legal services organization that defends the rights of immigrant communities and advocates for just and humane immigration policy. ISLA attorneys visit detained immigrants at the Pine Prairie ICE Processing Center on a weekly basis and provide pro bono representation under a universal representation model before the Oakdale Immigration Court. Through this service, ISLA ensures that detained immigrants' due process rights are protected and that our clients do not have to attend these hearings and present their cases on their own.

Application Instructions:

• Prepare a cover letter, a resume, and a writing sample.

Website: https://www.islaimmigration.org

New Orleans Worker Center for Racial Justice

The New Orleans Workers’ Center for Racial Justice (Workers’ Center) was founded as a workers’ rights and racial justice response to the man-made disaster called Hurricane Katrina. Against the backdrop of a political economy that pitted communities of color against each other, a group of black and immigrant workers came together from public housing developments, FEMA trailer parks, day labor corners, and labor camps across Louisiana to build a new freedom movement: multi-racial; committed to racial, gender, and immigrant justice; and dedicated to building power at the intersection of race and the economy. Over a decade later, the New Orleans Workers’ Center for Racial Justice continues to be a vehicle for black and immigrant workers to come build grassroots campaigns with a local and national impact.

Application Instructions:

• Prepare a cover letter, a resume, and a writing sample.

Location: 3500 Canal St 2nd Floor, New Orleans, LA 70119

Website: https://www.nowcrj.org