Description:
For over 20 years, the Sikh Coalition, a national community-based, civil rights organization, has defended Sikh civil liberties in the courtroom, classroom, community, and halls of Congress. Whether it's working to secure safer schools, combat and prevent hate and discrimination, create equal employment opportunities and access, or empower local Sikh communities, the Sikh Coalition's goal is working towards a world where Sikhs, and other religious and racial minorities in America, may freely practice their faith without bias and discrimination.
The Sikh Coalition is a nonpartisan, civil rights nonprofit with nearly 20 full-time staff and over one hundred volunteers that operates on a $2.4+ million budget with complete financial transparency. Our funding comes from grants, private foundations, and individual donors. We receive no funding from any government agencies.
We strive to do this work with integrity (sach), selflessness (seva) and with the lasting belief that our shared work holds a greater purpose (sangarsh). We will relentlessly pursue our goals while putting the community and these values first.
For more information please visit www.sikhcoalition.org
Position Summary: The Sikh Coalition's Legal Program seeks 2 law school students to serve as legal interns during the summer of 2022. Qualified interns should have a passion for social justice and civil rights, a strong work ethic, and excellent legal research, writing, and analytic skills. Individuals from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply; prior exposure to Sikh related civil rights issues is not required.
Legal interns will receive hands-on experience:
- Conducting legal research;
- Writing research memoranda;
- Drafting letters, complaints and legal briefs;
- Interviewing clients or witnesses;
- Assisting with litigation and casework;
- Gaining exposure to federal & state anti-discrimination and religious rights laws, e.g., Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the First Amendment and federal and state Religious Freedom Restoration Acts
Requirements:
We are looking for someone who is:
- Bright, intellectually curious, hardworking, and self-motivated;
- Passionate about social justice and civil rights;
- Compassionate towards clients;
- Skilled in legal research (LexisNexis), writing, and analytical skills;
- A team player, i.e., is able to work effectively with legal and non-legal staff across all program areas;
- Punjabi language skills are a plus but not required.
Accepted interns are required to work a minimum of 40 hours per week for 10 weeks during the summer. The office is located in New York City. However, this internship is a remote position. Laptops and equipment will not be provided, however summer interns will receive a $2,000 stipend. This is in addition to any funding an intern may receive from external sources, including their respective law schools.
To Apply: Please apply online with a resume, cover letter, and writing sample. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis between now and May 1, 2023.
