Legal Internship

We are now accepting applications for the HIPS Legal Internship. Email Tristan Sullivan Wilson at tristan@hips.org to apply.

General Info

HIPS seeks a legal intern to work with our advocacy program, which works at the local level in Washington DC to promote sex workers’ rights and progressive drug policy. Working with the advocacy team provides an exciting opportunity to amplify the voices of people that have been directly impacted by the War on Drugs and/or laws criminalizing sex work.

Legal Internship Requirements

The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellent research ability, strong written and verbal communications skills, commitment to the rights of people who use drugs and sex workers, ability to work in a team or independently, flexibility, and attention to detail. Candidates should be pursuing a J.D. degree.

Internship Structure

HIPS internships are structured, educational  volunteer positions that have the following components:
  • A set start and end date: most internships last between 2-6 months
  • An agreed-upon regular schedule: interns create a schedule with their supervisor and are expected to work on specific days and times each week (at least 16 hours of work per week). Occasional evening work may be required for some positions.
  • Regular supervision by a HIPS staff member
  • Internships can be for credit or non-credit as determined by you and your school. HIPS will gladly cooperate with you and your school to sign any necessary forms so that you will receive credit for your work.
  • Internships are unpaid.
The legal intern will contribute to all aspects of HIPS’ advocacy work on promoting the health and rights of sex workers and people who use drugs, including but not limited to: tracking and monitoring proposed legislation at the local level; researching issues that impact sex workers and people who use drugs; creating or contributing to writing projects such as issue briefs, fact sheets, blogs, and other public education materials and reports; supporting community organizing work, as relevant; and assisting in coalition advocacy activities.

How to Apply

We accept intern applications on a rolling basis. Please submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to tristan@hips.org. In the subject line, please indicate “[Your Name] HIPS Legal Internship Application Winter 2018.” Applications will be accepted until the internship is filled.