Summer Law Internship in Child Welfare
Company: Defender Association of Philadelphia
Location: Philadelphia
Posted on: January 17, 2026
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Job Description:
Job Description Job Description Summer Law Internship in Child
Welfare The Defender Association of Philadelphia offers law
students a rich and exciting summer internship program from the end
of May into August 2026 in our Child Advocacy Unit (CAU). This Unit
provides legal representation for dependent children, from newborn
to 21 years of age, in matters involving allegations of physical
and sexual abuse, neglect, abandonment, truancy and incorrigibility
as well as in adoption proceedings. In keeping with the mandates of
the Juvenile Act, while we protect and promote the legal interests
of these children, we also strive to serve their best interests. A
multidisciplinary team of attorneys and social workers assess the
needs and welfare of each child, and then make recommendations to
the Court to ensure our clients’ safety and to achieve permanency
for our clients in a loving and supportive home environment. What
You’ll Do Our summer program is designed for 2nd year law students
with a real interest in children’s issues, child welfare system and
juvenile justice. This experience offers broad exposure to the
practical applications of child welfare law with two different
tracks. Most of our interns will work collaboratively with
supervising attorneys and social workers on specific cases. We also
have an opportunity for a law student interested in child welfare
policy to work with our Policy Director of Child Advocacy. Interns
will participate in comprehensive training and received
individualized supervision and mentoring. Interns will get direct,
hands-on experience with advocacy, legal research, court
observation, client interviewing, home/placement visits, crisis
intervention, negotiation, and case management. What You’ll Need Be
a current law student in good standing – only 2Ls and rising 3L can
apply Interest and commitment to children’s issues and juvenile
justice Experience or interest in serving racially and
socioeconomically – oppressed clients and communities Ability to
deal effectively with children, adolescents, and family members
Ability to work collaboratively in a high-volume practice Relevant
clinical program or work experience, preferred For students
interested in a Policy Internship, you should demonstrate: A strong
interest in policy Some knowledge of the child welfare system
Ability to research and analyze federal, state, and local policy
regarding children and youth Ability to write legislative impact
reports and policy updates clearly and concisely Willingness to
attend policy and system provider meetings in person and/or via the
Web. Ability to work independently and/or collaboratively To Apply:
Please apply online with a cover letter addressing interest and
experience in children’s issues/juvenile justice and resume to
phillydefender.org/careers. For additional questions, contact
Sharene Ginyard, Esq. at sginyard@philadefender.org or Mimi Laver,
Esq. at mlaver@philadefender.org Given the robust nature of these
internships, we have a limited number of spots so they can be
competitive. Who is the Defender? The Defender Association of
Philadelphia is more than just a law firm. We’re the community’s
lawyers. Our mission-driven, client-centered model focuses on
outcomes that support a system that is fundamentally fair and
creates safer, stronger communities. Our unique model and approach
give our staff with the skills and support they need to get the
best outcomes for our clients. Many former Defenders go on in their
careers to serve as judges, state and federal officials, and
successful private practitioners. Come join our team! Come join our
team! For more information, go Defender’s Child Advocacy Unit and
follow us @PhillyDefenders (Twitter, IG, Tiktok) and on LinkedIn.
The Defender Association provides equal employment opportunities
(EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard
to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or
genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, The Defender
Association complies with applicable state and local laws governing
nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms
and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring,
placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves
of absence, compensation, and training
Keywords: Defender Association of Philadelphia, Philadelphia , Summer Law Internship in Child Welfare, Legal , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
