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, some consideration for undergraduate students
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 10-20 hours per week during the Spring. The dates will be between January 5, 2026 (flexible) and May 15, 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.