Legal Advocate Intern

Fall 2024 Semester
Pay: Unpaid
Supervised by: Task Supervisor and Volunteer Coordinator

Please email resumes and cover letters to Makayla.Smith@familyabusecenter.org

SUMMARY OF POSITION           

The Legal Department provides support for survivors of domestic violence through advocating for survivors within the legal system and collaborating with local law enforcement agencies to improve policies for domestic violence cases. The goal of the Legal Department is to serve as a liaison between FAC and the legal system, assisting residential and non-residential clients as they navigate through the criminal justice and civil court process and access various crime victim assistance programs.

TIME REQUIREMENTS

  • Semester internship or year-long internship
  • Accepting Juniors
  • 8-12 hours per week
  • Legal Staff Meetings Mondays at 1:00 pm (non-mandatory)
  • FAC Staff Meetings first Wednesday of the month at 2 pm (non-mandatory)
  • Heart of Texas Domestic Violence Response Team Meetings (non-mandatory)
  • Occasional evenings depending on scheduled activities
  • Biweekly check-in with Volunteer Coordinator

Education/Experience:      

  • Juniors
  • Political science, Criminal Justice, Philosophy, Pre-Law, and/or related fields

Skills/Abilities

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Demonstrated experience and ease working with a diverse population of clients
  • Research and analysis skills
  • Demonstrates effectiveness as a member of a team as well as the ability to work independently and to take initiative
  • Flexibility and ability to prioritize job responsibilities 
  • Ability to receive constructive feedback
  • Ability to accomplish multiple tasks that require a variety of skills  
  • Ability to maintain accurate data and meet deadlines
  • Bilingual preferred

License/Credentials:

  • Valid Texas Driver's License and clear driving record. 

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CHILDREN'S PROGRAM INTERN:

  • Manage law enforcement victim referral and service outcome statistics
  • Coordinate services with law enforcement agencies and district courts for the Heart of Texas Domestic Violence Response Team
  • Client file management
  • Legal department administration
  • Work with Legal Coordinator in proposing and implementing victim service policies to outside agencies
  • Maintain communication with legal team and other shelter staff
  • Other tasks as assigned by Legal Coordinator
  • Legal and policy research and analysis
  • Policy writing