Summer 2027 Intern - CAMBA Legal Services - Consumer Law Unit

Who We Are: CAMBA is a community of staff, volunteers, clients, donors, neighbors and partners who work together to build an inclusive New York City, where all children and adults have access to the resources and supports they need to thrive. We take a comprehensive approach by offering more than 180 integrated programs in: Education & Youth Development, Family Support, Job Training & Employment Support Services, Health, Housing, and Legal Services.

We reach more than 72,000 individuals and families each year at our 100 locations, including 10,000 youth. CAMBA serves a diverse cross section of New Yorkers from new mothers in Brownsville to job seekers in the Rockaways. More than half of our clients are immigrants and refugees from around the globe. Over 85% of our families live in poverty, reflecting the challenges faced by nearly 1.7 million New Yorkers today.

CAMBA Legal Services, Inc. (CLS) is the legal services arm of CAMBA, Inc. and provides free civil legal services to low-income New Yorkers. The Consumer Law Unit represents low-income New Yorkers in matters involving a consumer financial transaction at their genesis, including defending debt collection lawsuits and suits for the collection of back rent; dealing with identity theft; addressing financing fraud and debt collection abuses; advocating for survivors of economic abuse, and more.

We view consumer law as a critical tool for advancing economic justice by empowering individual consumers and combating the systemic bad practices that harm communities. In addition to providing direct representation and providing legal advice and counsel to hundreds of clients a year, CAMBA’s consumer law attorneys also engage in legislative advocacy, bring impact litigation in both state and federal court, provide community education and offer expert training on a wide range of issues, services that allow members of our community improve their lives.

Position: Summer 2027 Intern (Consumer Law Unit)

Reports To: Assistant Program Manager

Location: 20 Snyder Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11226

What Does the Consumer Law Intern Do

The person filling this position is expected, under general supervision, to: Conduct legal research of consumer law, including statutes, case law, judicial decisions, legal articles, regulations, and legal codes

• Draft written work for both internal and external audiences, including objective memoranda and advocacy materials like briefs and letters
• Assist at and conduct legal intake interviews and assess clients’ legal situations, needs, and eligibility for services.
• Investigate the facts and applicable law of each case to identify potential causes of action and defenses and assist in developing appropriate case strategies.
• Maintain accurate, comprehensive, and up-to-date client and case files, including timely case notes and required data entry into applicable case management systems.
• Attend and provide support at court appearances
• Collect and analyze data on systemic bad practices to plan affirmative litigation and policy advocacy
• As interested, develop and prepare educational and community outreach materials.
• Support and shadow consumer law staff at courthouse-based clinics

Education, Licenses and/or Certifications Required

Bachelor's degree (B. A. or B.S.)

Must be currently enrolled in a J.D. program and have completed one year of law school prior to the start of the internship

Minimum Experiences & Skills Required

Interest in economic justice and/or direct services

• Prior experience working with vulnerable populations.
• Strong research, writing, and communication skills
• Computer literacy in Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Qualifications

Bi-lingual preferred (Spanish, Haitian Creole, French, Arabic, Russian, Urdu)

Compensation: Unpaid Internship

Status: Internship

CAMBA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value a diverse workforce and inclusive workplace. People of color, people with disabilities, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people are encouraged to apply. We consider all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, socio-economic status, marital or veteran status, pregnancy status or sexual orientation.