Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates – Internship Program
Who we are:
Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates (LIA) is a nonprofit on Michigan’s Lakeshore that provides affordable immigration legal services. We believe Michigan’s immigrant families strengthen our community and economy, and we work to ensure they have access to justice, respect and stability. Our interns play a key role in advancing this mission while gaining meaningful professional experience.
Why intern with LIA?
• Make a real impact. Work alongside attorneys, case managers, educators and advocates to support immigrant families. Your contributions—whether drafting documents, conducting outreach or assisting at legal clinics—will help ensure our clients receive timely, compassionate services.
• Develop marketable skills. Depending on your track, you’ll gain handson experience in client intake, legal research, case preparation, community outreach, event planning, fund development, marketing and communications. You’ll also learn to navigate professional tools such as casemanagement systems, donor CRMs and digital communication platforms.
• Mentorship and learning. You’ll be paired with experienced staff who provide guidance, feedback and opportunities for reflection. Interns are encouraged to bring their unique talents and interests to projects.
• Inclusive, supportive culture. LIA values diversity, equity and inclusion and strives to create a welcoming environment. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds and identities to apply.
Internship tracks
We offer three tracks and tailor projects to intern interests. You may work across multiple areas:
• New American Legal Clinic (Asylum & Afghan cases): assist with asylum applications, countryconditions research, client interviews and document preparation.
• Immigration Legal Services (Family and Humanitarian Cases): support attorneys with intake, form preparation, legal research and case management.
• Fund Development, Marketing & Communications: contribute to donor stewardship, socialmedia campaigns, grant research, event logistics and community outreach.
Program structure & schedule
• Fall & Winter terms: 12 to 20 hours per week (parttime), running January–April or September–December.
• Summer term: up to 20 hours per week (parttime), running May–August.
• Deadlines for priority consideration:
• Winter term - Apply by Nov1; interviews in midNovember; offers finalized by Dec15.
• Summer term - Apply by Mar1; interviews in midMarch; offers finalized by Apr15.
• Fall term - Apply by Jul1; interviews in midJuly; offers finalized by Aug15.
We ask interns to commit to the full term; specific days and times can be arranged around coursework and other commitments.
Qualifications
We welcome students (undergraduate, graduate, law), recent graduates and others who meet these criteria:
• Passion for immigrant justice and alignment with LIA’s mission. Tell us why this work matters to you.
• Strong communication skills in English; fluency in Spanish, Arabic, Pashto/Dari, French or other languages is a plus.
• Professionalism and discretion; many clients are sharing sensitive information.
• Organizational ability and a willingness to learn; experience with office software (Google Suite, Microsoft Office) is helpful but not required.
• You must be at least 18 and able to commute to our Holland or Grand Rapids locations; some projects require travel to offsite clinics.
LIA does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected status.
How To Apply
Submit your application online at https://lia.easyapply.co. You will be asked to select your preferred track(s) and term, list your availability and education level, and upload the following:
• Resume
• Cover letter – Explain why you want to intern at LIA and your professional goals over the next 2–5 years.
• Writing sample (1–2 pages, academic or professional)
• References – Names and contact information for three professional or academic references.
You’ll also have the option to indicate language proficiencies, whether the internship is required for academic credit and how you heard about LIA.
All materials should be addressed to Hiring Committee. If you require an accommodation to apply or interview, please contact careers@liamichigan.org. Applications received by the priority deadlines above will be reviewed first, but submissions are accepted until positions are filled.
