The Lone Star Justice Alliance stands with young people to advocate for systems that treat them as children and allow them to thrive. We push for change through strategic litigation, appellate advocacy, amicus (friend of the court) briefs, policy reform, professional training and education, and strategic communications. We challenge the laws and policies that send children to adult courts and fight for systemic changes that enforce constitutional rights to due process and access to counsel. Our Strategic Litigation Program work ensures that laws, policies, and practices are informed by research, consistent with children’s developmental needs, and reflect best practices for thriving youth. 

Our legal efforts focus on challenging unjust laws and practices, particularly those that criminalize and excessively punish young people. We work tirelessly to end the prosecution of youth in adult courts, ensuring they are treated as children with the capacity for growth and change. Our team files impactful lawsuits, appellate briefs, and amicus briefs to protect the constitutional rights of youth, including access to counsel, due process, and age-appropriate rehabilitative opportunities. 

Intern responsibilities are likely to include significant client contact, court appearances and hearings, interviewing factual witness interviews, drafting of precedent setting briefs and other legal pleadings. Interns will be involved in strategic decision-making concerning the framing of litigation and will have access and input regarding any court filings and proceedings.  

Duties: 

1. Legal Research and Writing 

1. Conduct thorough legal research on constitutional, civil rights, and criminal justice issues. 

1. Draft memoranda, motions, briefs, and other legal documents for strategic litigation efforts. 

1. Analyze legal precedents and provide recommendations for case strategies. 

1. Case Development and Strategy 

1. Assist in identifying and investigating potential cases with significant social impact. 

1. Collaborate with attorneys to build innovative litigation strategies aimed at systemic reform. 

1. Participate in case assessments, discovery processes, and trial preparation. 

1. Advocacy and Client Interaction 

1. Support attorneys in client interviews and fact-gathering for case development. 

1. Work closely with clients to ensure their voices are central to the litigation process. 

1. Develop materials to support public education and advocacy campaigns tied to strategic litigation goals. 

1. Collaborative Projects 

1. Work alongside a multidisciplinary team of attorneys, policy experts, and community advocates. 

1. Contribute to policy research and recommendations connected to litigation initiatives. 

1. Assist in preparing presentations and reports for stakeholders, including courts, community organizations, and public forums. 

1. Professional Development 

1. Participate in mentorship opportunities with experienced litigators. 

1. Attend workshops, hearings, and other professional events to broaden your understanding of the legal system. 

1. Gain insights into the intersection of litigation, advocacy, and public policy. 

What You’ll Gain: 

• Practical experience in high-stakes litigation and policy advocacy. 

• A deeper understanding of how strategic litigation drives systemic change. 

• Mentorship from skilled attorneys committed to professional and personal growth. 

• A network of like-minded peers and professionals dedicated to advancing justice. 

This internship is ideal for law students with a passion for strategic litigation, a commitment to justice, and the drive to make a tangible impact. Apply now and join us in using the power of the law to create lasting change. 

Please submit resume, cover letter, and writing sample to internships@lsja.org.  

Supervisor: Aisha Dennis