Job description
Who we are:
The Vera Institute of Justice is powered by hundreds of advocates, researchers, and policy experts working to transform the criminal legal and immigration systems until they’re fair for all. Founded in 1961 to advocate for alternatives to money bail in New York City, Vera is now a national organization that partners with impacted communities and government leaders for change. We develop just, antiracist solutions so that money doesn’t determine freedom; fewer people are in jails, prisons, and immigration detention; and everyone is treated with dignity. For more information, visit vera.org.
Vera has a staff of 230 people, is headquartered in Brooklyn, New York and has offices in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and New Orleans. We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity in the workplace. We expect our staff to embody respect, independence, collaboration, commitment, anti-racism, and equity—both in our outward-facing work and the internal culture of our workplace. We value a range of experiences in people’s educational backgrounds and encourage people who have been directly impacted by the criminal justice system to apply.
About the role:
The Law & Policy Intern will provide a wide range of support for our ongoing projects, including advancing prosecution reform, jail population reduction, increasing investment in thriving communities, and addressing Louisiana’s carceral impact in multiple parishes and at the state legislature. The Law and Policy Intern will be supervised primarily by the Senior Program Associate and will complete a variety of projects with other staff. This internship will provide an opportunity for the intern to gain knowledge and experience in research, writing, advocacy, local and state government relations, and criminal legal systems in New Orleans and other parts of Louisiana.
This position is open to a student located in Louisiana and enrolled in law school or post-graduate policy program in which an internship will fulfill an academic credit or course/graduation requirement. This position is unpaid.
What you’ll do:
Research and analysis
- Conduct legal research and writing
- Review, organize, and analyze public records, legislation, budget documents, and news articles
- Observe criminal and magistrate court proceedings, Legislative convenings, and City Council meetings & budget hearings
Partnership support
- Attend coalition and partner organization meetings
Advocacy
- Prepare for and engage in public policy advocacy
Administrative
- Provide support for planned events and other related responsibilities that may arise
What qualifications are we looking for?
- Currently enrolled in law school or post-graduate policy program in which an internship will fulfill an academic credit or course/graduation requirement
- Interest in a nonprofit career, particularly in policy reform and advocacy
- Ability to show initiative, ask questions, and adapt to changing priorities
- Attention to detail and strong organizational skills
- Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills
- A demonstrated ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds
Preferred:
- Demonstrated connection to Louisiana, New Orleans, or the Deep South
- Willingness to travel to Baton Rouge on occasion
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities you’ll bring:
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or similar software
- Must be located in Louisiana. Two in office days a week required in the New Orleans office
Location:
Please note this role will report to our New Orleans, LA office. Vera interns and employees adhere to a hybrid schedule and are in-office on an alternating schedule. Full-time positions generally amount to 10 days per month. Part-time positions generally amount to 5 days per month.
Schedule:
The intern should be available to work up to 35 hours per week during the summer. The dates will be between September 8, 2025 and December 12, 2025, with some flexibility to accommodate personal and academic schedules.
Compensation:
Please note that this is an unpaid internship.
How to apply:
Please submit cover letter and resume. In your cover letter, please explain why you are passionate about criminal justice reform and what you hope to gain from this internship.
Applications may also be faxed to:
ATTN: People, Place, and Culture / Vera Louisiana - Law and Policy Intern
Vera Institute of Justice
34 35th St, Suite 4-2A, Brooklyn, NY 11232
Fax: (212) 941-9407
Please use only one method (online, mail or fax) of submission.
No phone calls, please. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.
Vera is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, current employment status, or caregiver status.
Vera works to advance justice, particularly racial justice, in an increasingly multicultural country and globally connected world. We value diverse experiences, including with regard to educational background and justice system contact, and depend on a diverse staff to carry out our mission.
For more information about Vera, please visit www.vera.org.
